HFT Concludes Landmark 22nd Annual State Conference, Unveils Visionary Roadmap for a Drug & Hepatitis Free Tripura
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, January 9, 2026
The Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT), a pioneering organisation in community based healthcare in Tripura and Northeast India, successfully concluded its 22nd Annual State Conference on January 3 and 4, 2026, at the Dasharath Deb Memorial Auditorium, Agartala. The two-day mega conference marked a significant milestone in Tripura’s public health journey, setting an ambitious and technology driven roadmap towards a drug-free and hepatitis-free state.
Held under the theme “Pioneering Integrated Community Science,” the conference brought together more than 300 participants, including HFT members, leading medical experts, public health professionals, and frontline Health Champions (Swasthya Sevaks) from across Tripura. The event reflected the growing scale and influence of HFT in shaping preventive and community health strategies in the state.
The conference was held under the visionary leadership of Dr. Pradip Bhaumik, Founder President and Director of HFT, and was presided over by Dr N L Bhaumik, President, HFT. The proceedings were coordinated by Shri Dibakar Debnath, General Secretary, HFT, who played a key role in steering the organisational and strategic discussions.
Addressing the delegates, Dr. Pradip Bhaumik announced a paradigm shift in HFT’s approach to public health. He stated that the foundation is moving beyond conventional baseline care to a Science at the Doorstep model, integrating advanced technologies directly into community healthcare delivery. A major announcement was the proposed integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into community health registries, enabling early prediction of disease outbreaks, improved monitoring of treatment adherence, and data-driven decision-making with unprecedented accuracy.
One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the adoption of a series of bold and forward-looking resolutions by the 300 strong membership body, aimed at comprehensive social and medical transformation across Tripura. These include a proposed massive joint initiative with the Government of Tripura to combat the growing Triple Virus threat, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV closely linked with the rising menace of illicit drug addiction. HFT resolved to seek active cooperation from all concerned stakeholders to address this complex public health challenge.
The conference also reaffirmed the strengthening of the Drug-Free Tripura Initiative, a scientific, community based intervention model focused on identifying, counselling, and rehabilitating individuals affected by substance abuse. This initiative will be expanded statewide with the active involvement of HFT’s Swasthya Sevaks, ensuring grassroots-level engagement and sustained community participation.
Reiterating its long-term commitment, HFT resolved to accelerate its dream project of Hepatitis Elimination by 2030, with renewed emphasis on 100 percent screening and adult vaccination coverage. Additionally, the foundation announced the launch of a state-wide screening programme for Metabolism Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (Fatty Liver), while continuing its ongoing diabetes detection initiatives to address emerging non-communicable disease burdens.
Highlighting organisational growth, General Secretary Dibakar Debnath informed the gathering that HFT’s network of Health Champions will now be equipped with digital tools to connect even the most remote tribal hamlets directly with the HFT Research Centre in Agartala, significantly improving access to expert consultation, data collection, and follow-up care.
In his presidential address, Dr N L. Bhaumik praised the unwavering dedication of HFT members, stating that their collective efforts have transformed the organisation into a household name across Tripura. He described the 22nd Annual Conference as a point of no return in the state’s health movement, signifying a transition from basic awareness building to a high-tech, integrated community science model.
The conference concluded with a strong call to action, urging government departments, national and international NGOs, and development partners to collaborate with HFT in its mission to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 and to build a healthier, more resilient Tripura through science-driven, community-centric healthcare.
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