The Tripura government has earmarked land for the state’s first Ophthalmology Institute and announced the deployment of tourist police to ensure the safety of visitors. These dual initiatives reflect the northeastern state’s evolving focus on specialized medical services and a secure, tourist-friendly environment.
State’s First Ophthalmology Institute: A Landmark in Healthcare
The Tripura Health Department has finalized land at the Khejurbagan area in Agartala to establish the state’s maiden Ophthalmology Institute. This development marks a milestone in Tripura government news, promising to offer advanced eye care services not only to residents but also to patients from neighboring states and even international borders such as Bangladesh.
Read More: Tripura Launches ₹67 Crore Tourism Project in Gomati
The institute will be set up under the centrally sponsored scheme, with significant support from the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). The state is investing heavily to equip the facility with modern surgical equipment, specialized staff, and research units. The initiative is expected to reduce the dependency on out-of-state medical institutions for eye care and bring high-quality ophthalmology services closer to home.
Health Minister Tinku Roy emphasized the long-term benefits of this project. “This institute will be a center of excellence in eye care. It will also create employment opportunities for ophthalmologists, nurses, and medical technicians in the region,” he stated. The government also aims to introduce tele-ophthalmology services to reach rural populations, aligning with its broader mission of accessible healthcare.
Deployment of Tourist Police: A Step Towards Safer Travel
Simultaneously, Tripura is preparing to deploy a special tourist police unit across the state’s key tourist hotspots. Initially, over 300 personnel will be trained and stationed at popular sites including Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, Unakoti, and Chhabimura, among others.
Read More: Tripura to Open First Eye Institute, Launch Tourist Police Force
This initiative is a part of Tripura’s expanding focus on Tripura tourism and aims to create a safer environment for both domestic and international travelers. These police officers will be specially trained in soft skills, multiple languages, and emergency response. Their presence is expected to significantly improve the tourist experience, especially for solo travelers and women.
According to Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, “With the increase in tourist inflow post-COVID, we are committed to ensuring that Tripura remains a safe, secure, and attractive destination. The tourist police will act as a bridge between law enforcement and visitors.”
The Tripura police are collaborating with the Tourism Department to select and train personnel. They will be equipped with GPS, communication devices, and first-aid kits, ensuring quick response capabilities in case of emergencies.
Dual Impact: Healthcare and Tourism Hand-in-Hand
These two major developments — the Ophthalmology Institute and the tourist police unit — are complementary in positioning Tripura as a state that values both public health and hospitality. The state has long remained in the shadows of more popular tourist destinations in Northeast India. However, these initiatives signal a shift towards building robust public service ecosystems that promote both wellbeing and tourism.
The establishment of the Ophthalmology Institute Tripura is also expected to draw patients and medical tourists from Bangladesh, further strengthening cross-border ties and healthcare diplomacy.
Meanwhile, enhancing tourist safety through the deployment of the Tripura police in strategic tourism locations will not only help reduce crime but also build a reputation for the state as a reliable travel destination.
Tripura’s dual announcement of setting up its first Ophthalmology Institute and the introduction of tourist police indicates a strong developmental trajectory. With growing investments in public welfare and safety, the state is laying the foundation for sustainable growth in both the health and tourism sectors.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to transforming Tripura into a model state with robust health infrastructure and a thriving tourism economy. As a result, both Tripura tourism and public health services are set to benefit from this forward-thinking approach.