In a bold move to democratize healthcare, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday spotlighted telemedicine as a game-changer during his popular ‘CM’s Common Court’ session. The 62nd installment of this citizen-centric program saw the CM directly engaging with petitioners, promising state-of-the-art medical aid without the compulsion of out-of-state travel.
Held at his residence, the forum buzzed with urgency as locals from distant villages and towns narrated their health woes. A former dental surgeon holding the health portfolio, Saha’s insights carried the weight of both empathy and expertise.
‘Tripura now offers advanced medical services for numerous conditions,’ he stated firmly. ‘Through telemedicine, specialized advice is just a call away, empowering our people to receive expert care locally.’
Financial relief was extended to grief-stricken Anukul Das of Anandnagar with a Rs 4 lakh cheque following his son’s fatal accident. Saha’s proactive stance shone through in directives for immediate interventions.
For Bijnakanya Malsom’s ailing father in remote West Taichalong, Amarpur, the health department received orders for prompt medicines and treatment. Similarly, Swapna Pal from Ganki in Khowai and Biswajit Dhar from Dharmanagar, battling complex aplastic anemia, were slated for cutting-edge therapies.
Appeals for cardiac care and other grave ailments from Agartala, Dharmanagar, and Singerbil residents met with firm assurances of all possible assistance. The presence of key bureaucrats like Secretary Kiran Gitte and Tapas Roy facilitated on-the-spot implementations.
Saha’s vision extends beyond immediate relief; it’s about building a robust healthcare ecosystem. By harnessing telemedicine, Tripura is curtailing medical tourism, easing financial strains on families, and fostering a healthier populace. This model could well inspire other states grappling with similar challenges.