Agartala, July 15: Tripura has intensified its fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with the launch of Phase-II of the Mukhyamantri Niramay Arogya Abhiyan (MMNAA), a major initiative aimed at strengthening prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases across the state.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha formally inaugurated the second phase of the programme in Gomati district on July 14, marking the beginning of a series of specialist health camps that will continue across the state until July 31. The initiative is expected to improve access to quality healthcare services and strengthen the state’s response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular ailments.
Phase-II of the programme is being implemented with technical support from the StAr-NCD Project under the ICMR-National Health Research Priority framework. The project introduces a range of evidence-based interventions to improve healthcare delivery and patient management at different levels of the public health system.
A key feature of the programme is the operationalisation of the Mukhyamantri Lab Network, which follows a hub-and-spoke diagnostic model to ensure timely and accessible diagnostic services. The initiative also introduces performance-based incentives for ASHA workers, encouraging them to strengthen patient follow-up, improve treatment adherence and ensure continuity of care.
To streamline healthcare delivery, colour-coded patient cards have also been introduced. These cards are expected to improve patient triaging, facilitate timely referrals and ensure better continuity of treatment for individuals suffering from chronic diseases.
During the launch programme, Chief Minister Manik Saha felicitated several ASHA Champions for their outstanding contribution in motivating patients to continue treatment and ensuring better health outcomes.
The state government has designated Gomati and Dhalai districts as model districts under the StAr-NCD framework, where strengthened healthcare interventions will be implemented and evaluated before being expanded further.
The StAr-NCD Tripura team, comprising experts from AIIMS New Delhi and the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, was also honoured for providing technical support to strengthen NCD services across the state.
Supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the project demonstrates how scientific research and evidence-based interventions can be effectively translated into public health policy, helping Tripura build a stronger, more sustainable and patient-centric healthcare system for the management of non-communicable diseases.
