In order to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha inaugurated the state's first Block Public Health Unit at Kalyanpur Community Health Centre in Khowai district on Thursday.

After inaugurating the Block Public Health Unit, Dr Saha stated that the development of health infrastructure for the well-being of the people remains a top priority for the present state government.

"The main aim of this Block Public Health Unit is to heed the Prime Minister's call to extend healthcare to the grassroots level. During Covid-19, vaccinations were initiated at the block level, which proved successful. This prompted PM Modi to strengthen healthcare at the block level. By fortifying medical care at the block level, we aim to reduce the pressure on Sub-divisional and State hospitals, ensuring people's well-being," he said.

Dr Saha further said that the Block Public Health Unit will provide emergency facilities and house modernized medical equipment.

"If we can identify diseases at the block level, it becomes easier to provide immediate treatment. We plan to establish these units in 18 blocks initially, with Kalyanpur being the first, followed by all 59 blocks. We already have dental and nursing colleges, and we plan to open Homeopathy and Ayurvedic colleges as well. With determination, anything is possible. Another medical college will be established in Ambassa, under Dhalai district. Trauma centers are crucial, and we've opened level 3 trauma centers in three places, with one more under construction," said Dr Saha.

He emphasized that the present state government consistently prioritizes health, education, and agriculture. "Without good health, no one can work towards development. Referral cases from the state to outside have also decreased," noted the Chief Minister.

Later, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Operation Theatre Complex at Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital in Khowai district. The program was attended by Chief Whip of Tripura Legislative Assembly Kalyani Roy, Janajati Kalyan Minister Bikas Debbarma, MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, and Khowai District Magistrate Chandni Chandran.