In another groundbreaking decision aimed at providing quality treatment to cancer patients, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday announced that the state government has allocated 15 acres of land to establish another cancer hospital in the North district of the state.

Dr Saha said this while addressing an event on World Cancer Day at the A B Regional Cancer Hospital in Agartala.

"The main theme of today’s World Cancer Day is to close the care gap. Such a slogan is necessary because many times, due to lack of awareness, people develop cancer. However, if we seek treatment at the proper time, there are many chances of recovery. There was a time when it was said that cancer had no answer, but now the scenario has changed. People can win over cancer; they are warriors," said Dr Saha.

Dr Saha, who also serves as the Health Minister of Tripura, highlighted the high incidence of oral cancer in the North East region.

"The rate of oral cancer is very high in the North East region. Cancer can be reduced if we increase awareness, support the morale of cancer patients, and refrain from chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol. We must also avoid the use of single-use plastic. Prevention is better than cure," Dr. Saha emphasized.

He noted that the Atal Bihari Regional Cancer Hospital (ABRCH) in Agartala is performing well, and the doctors there have earned a good reputation.

"In the North East, it has emerged as one of the best cancer institutes. Our state government, along with this hospital, is working to provide the best treatment at minimal charges, and more treatment-related facilities will be made available. In a cabinet meeting we have approved a proposal of allocating 15 acres of land to Eminent Oncologist Dr R Ravi Kannan, Director of  Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC)  for setting up a cancer hospital, and we will provide the land free of cost. We plan to establish it in the North District so that Unakoti will also benefit. The number of cancer patients in North and Unakoti is attributed to food habits and chewing tobacco," he added.

During the event Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, National Health Mission director DK Chakma, Director Health Service Supriya Mallik and others were present.