By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
AGARTALA | May 17, 2026
AGARTALA: Emphasizing that blood transcends all social barriers of caste and religion, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated a voluntary blood donation camp organized on the occasion of International Nurses Day 2026. The event, held at the Agartala Government Dental College Auditorium within the IGM Hospital complex, was dedicated to honoring the legacy of Florence Nightingale and the vital contributions of the nursing fraternity.
The Chief Minister lauded the initiative, noting that aligning a life-saving blood donation drive with a day celebrating health caregivers sends a powerful message of human solidarity.
“Nurses are the Human Face of Healthcare”: CM’s Tribute
Drawing on his professional background as a doctor, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha highlighted that a hospital’s reputation and patient recovery rely heavily on the dedication of its nursing staff.
”Not everyone gets the opportunity to serve humanity so closely, but our nurses and healthcare workers fulfill this noble responsibility daily. Their work is not just a profession; it is a profound human commitment. While doctors diagnose and treat, it is the constant care and sensitivity of nurses that heal a patient,” Dr. Manik Saha remarked during his address.
The CM advised the medical community to always maintain an empathetic and compassionate attitude toward patients and their anxious family members.
Healthcare Modernization & Public Welfare Schemes
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s focus on the systematic expansion of medical infrastructure across Tripura.
- Universal Health Coverage: Dr. Saha emphasized that thousands of families are currently benefiting from advanced medical treatments through the Chief Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY) alongside the central Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Infrastructure Growth: He pointed out that the strategic launch of the Agartala Government Nursing College and structural extensions at the IGM complex have aimed at transforming Tripura into a self-reliant medical hub in the Northeast.
- Declining Mortality Rates: Enhanced care at primary and secondary levels has led to a significant reduction in the state’s infant and child mortality rates over the last few years.
A Mass Movement for Blood Donation
The Chief Minister called upon youth organizations, clubs, and public departments to treat blood donation as a regular civic duty to prevent any premature loss of life due to shortages in state blood banks. He personally interacted with the nursing students and staff who stepped forward to donate blood during the camp.
Dignitaries Present:
- Senior administrative officials from the Health & Family Welfare Department.
- Principal and faculty members of the Agartala Government Dental College and Nursing College.
- Leading representatives of various nursing associations in the state.
