By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 9, 2026
AGARTALA: Highlighting the critical staff shortages in state-run diagnostic centers, the Association of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technologists (AMRIT) submitted a formal deputation to the Director of Health Services (DHS) in Agartala today. The delegation, representing radiology professionals from across Tripura, raised a series of long-standing grievances regarding the recruitment process and the “overworked” conditions in government hospitals.
The deputation comes in the wake of recent reports showing that dozens of diagnostic imaging posts remain vacant, severely affecting patient care in district hospitals.
Core Demands: Filling the “Human Resource Gap”
The primary focus of the memorandum was the immediate initiation of the recruitment process for vacant Radiology and Imaging Technologist positions. The association pointed out that despite the increasing number of MRI and CT scan facilities in the state, the workforce has not seen a proportional increase.
The Key Charter of Demands:
- Immediate Recruitment: Promptly fill the 30+ officially vacant positions for Radiology and Imaging Technologists across various health centers.
- Service Regularization: Regularize the services of those working on a contractual or “fixed-pay” basis for several years.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernization of protective gear for staff working in X-ray and CT-scan rooms to prevent radiation-related health hazards.
- Incentive Structure: Recognition of the specialized nature of imaging technology through an improved pay scale in line with central health service standards.
“Patient Care is at Risk”: Association’s Statement
Speaking to the media after meeting the Health Director, a senior representative of the association emphasized that the current staff is performing duties well beyond the regulated clinical hours.
”Our technologists are working 12 to 14-hour shifts in many peripheral hospitals because there are simply no relievers. This not only leads to burnout but also increases the risk of diagnostic errors. We have provided the Director with a clear list of the staff-to-patient ratios, and we hope the government acts before the system collapses under the pressure of the rising patient load,” an AMRIT spokesperson stated.
Administrative Response
The Director of Health Services reportedly assured the delegation that the department is currently reviewing the recruitment rules. The Director noted that a proposal to fill technical vacancies has already been discussed in the recent Assembly session and is currently with the Finance Department for clearance.
The association has warned that if a concrete timeline for recruitment is not provided by the end of this month, they may be forced to launch a state-wide “Cease Work” movement, which could potentially halt all government-run diagnostic services.
