Tripura CM Manik Saha Voices Concern Over Lack of Support from Dental Fraternity in Promoting Govt Initiatives

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 21, 2026

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of engagement from fellow dental professionals in amplifying government initiatives on social media.

Speaking at the celebration of World Oral Health Day and a State-Level Training Programme for dental and healthcare professionals, the Chief Minister remarked that despite being a dental surgeon himself, he rarely sees his posts being shared by members of the dental fraternity.

“I am sometimes surprised. I am a dental surgeon and a maxillofacial surgeon. There are so many dental professionals here, yet none of them share my Facebook posts,” he said candidly, drawing attention to what he sees as a disconnect between the government and professionals within his own field.

The programme was organized by the National Oral Health Programme under the National Health Mission, Tripura, in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association and AGMC & IGM Hospital. The event took place at Prajna Bhavan in Agartala.

The training programme brought together Medical Officers (Dental), Dental Surgeons, Nursing Officers, and Community Health Officers to strengthen oral healthcare delivery and awareness across the state.

Despite the celebratory occasion, Dr. Saha used the platform to underline a broader issue, the limited role of professionals in promoting public health messaging and government achievements. He suggested that greater participation, especially on digital platforms, could significantly enhance public outreach and awareness.

Observers note that his remarks reflect a growing reliance on social media as a tool for governance communication, where collaboration from professional communities can play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information to the public.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the importance of oral health awareness and capacity building among healthcare workers, emphasizing that preventive care and timely intervention remain key to improving overall public health outcomes in Tripura.

The event concluded with a call for stronger coordination among stakeholders to ensure that healthcare initiatives reach the grassroots effectively, both through institutional efforts and digital engagement.

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