Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday laid the foundation stone for a proposed 100-bed government eye hospital at the Capital Complex area in Agartala, marking a significant step towards strengthening specialised eye care services in the state.

The proposed hospital, envisioned as a flagship healthcare project, will be housed in a modern G+4 building equipped with advanced medical facilities. According to the Chief Minister, construction is expected to be completed within two years. The hospital will function as part of the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC).

Expressing confidence in the project, Dr. Saha said the new facility has the potential to emerge as one of the leading eye care institutions in the Northeast. He urged all stakeholders associated with the project to work towards developing the hospital into a Centre of Excellence in eye care.

The Chief Minister said the state government has been taking several measures to strengthen Tripura’s healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services. Technology, he said, has become an important component of the government’s efforts to modernise healthcare delivery.

Referring to the expansion of digital health services in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Dr. Saha said ABHA cards have been generated for around 80 per cent of Tripura’s population, placing the state in a notable position nationally.

He added that the government is also working to strengthen healthcare facilities at district and sub-divisional levels to ensure better medical services across the state.

Addressing the recent issue of rainwater entering the trauma centre at GBP Hospital, Dr. Saha alleged that the building had been constructed without adequate planning during the tenure of the previous government. He also criticised the Opposition for raising the matter now, alleging that efforts were being made to mislead the younger generation on various issues.

Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, along with senior government officials and representatives of the Health Department, attended the foundation stone-laying programme.

The proposed eye hospital is expected to significantly expand specialised ophthalmic services in Tripura and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for advanced eye treatment.