Health Secretary Inspects Gomati District Hospital, Announces Major Infrastructure Push to Achieve 'Zero Referral' Healthcare

By Our Correspondent

Udaipur, July 14, 2026

In a significant move aimed at strengthening district-level healthcare services, Tripura Health and Family Welfare Secretary Kiran Gitte, IAS on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive inspection of Gomati District Hospital, reviewing medical infrastructure, diagnostic facilities, and patient care services while unveiling a series of measures to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce referrals to Agartala.

During the visit, Gitte inspected several key departments, including the Trauma Care Centre, the newly constructed Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), CT Scan and Radiology Department, Ultrasonography (USG) Unit, IPHL Laboratory, and the Blood Bank. He also interacted directly with doctors, nursing officers, and hospital staff to assess the quality of healthcare services and identify operational challenges.

Addressing officials after the inspection, the Health Secretary said Gomati District Hospital serves as a crucial healthcare institution for residents of Gomati, Bishalgarh, and large parts of South Tripura, catering to an average of 600–800 patients daily. Considering the steadily increasing patient load, he announced that the state government will construct a new 100-bed modern hospital building within the existing hospital campus.

The project, he said, is being undertaken under the special initiative of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy. Accompanied by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Gitte also inspected the proposed construction site and assured that work would commence at the earliest.

"The government's primary objective is to strengthen district hospitals to such an extent that the number of patient referrals to Agartala can eventually be brought down to zero. People should receive advanced treatment closer to their homes," he stated.

Reviewing the hospital's diagnostic facilities, Gitte noted that while patients are not facing significant delays for CT Scan services, long waiting periods continue for Ultrasonography (USG) examinations. To address this issue, he directed the hospital authorities to immediately introduce two-shift USG services, enabling more patients to receive timely diagnostic care.

He further informed that efforts are underway to restore the hospital's non-functional digital X-ray machine at the earliest.

Highlighting support from the Central Government, the Health Secretary announced that one of the three advanced MRI machines being provided to Tripura through the Prime Minister's Fund will be installed at Gomati District Hospital. Space for the installation has already been identified and finalized.

In another major development, Gitte said the hospital's six-bed Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), established for emergency treatment of heart patients, will become fully operational later this week.

The inspection also covered laboratory services. Officials informed the Secretary that the IPHL Laboratory currently conducts around 150 diagnostic tests daily. Gitte directed authorities to expand the range of services by introducing additional investigations, including biopsy-related tests, which are presently unavailable at the hospital.

To further reduce unnecessary referrals, the Health Secretary advised the Director of Health Services and the Medical Superintendent to introduce an evening Outpatient Department (OPD) at Gomati District Hospital, similar to the facility available at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital. Initially, the evening OPD is expected to function with two to three doctors, enabling patients to receive consultations during evening hours and reducing the need for referrals after regular OPD timings.

Expressing satisfaction over the newly relocated Trauma Care Centre, Gitte noted that it is currently providing emergency and life-saving treatment to an average of 100 patients every day, significantly improving emergency healthcare services in the district.

The inspection was attended by Director of Health Services Dr. Debasree Debbarma, Chief Medical Officer of Gomati District Dr. Kamal Reang, Medical Superintendent Dr. Kajal Kumar Das, PWD (Roads & Buildings) Superintending Engineer Himangshu Majumdar, senior architects, engineers, and other hospital officials. The visit reflects the state government's continued emphasis on upgrading district hospitals and improving access to quality healthcare across Tripura.

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