Tripura to Appoint Vice Chancellor for New Medical University

Agartala: Tripura will soon name a vice chancellor for its proposed medical university. Chief Minister Manik Saha confirmed the move Tuesday at a World Hepatitis Day event in Agartala. The state assembly already passed the bill to create the institution. This change shifts control away from Tripura Central University, which lacks specialized medical expertise.

The state currently manages three medical colleges with 550 MBBS and 200 postgraduate seats. Officials expect an Ayurvedic college to open this session. A homoeopathic college will start next year. Two additional medical colleges remain under development. "Once the medical university is established, we will soon appoint a vice chancellor to oversee and manage all medical institutions effectively. This will further strengthen medical education in the state," Saha said.

Healthcare metrics are shifting. Referrals outside the state dropped 80 percent. Patients at GBP Hospital now use a direct telemedicine link to AIIMS, New Delhi. The state covers the 5,000 rupee cost for each consultation.

Saha also touted the Mukhyamantri Niramay Arogya Abhiyan. The program targets non-communicable diseases, which cause 75 percent of deaths in Tripura. Early screening remains the goal. The Chief Minister also praised the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura for its four-year plan to eliminate the virus. He pledged continued state support for the mission.