Agartala, June 23: In a major step towards strengthening cancer care in Tripura, the state government has initiated measures to start bone marrow transplantation facility at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Centre (ABVRCC) in Agartala. 

During a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte emphasized the need to expedite the operationalization of the bone marrow transplant ward, describing it as a key priority in enhancing advanced cancer treatment facilities in the state.

After reviewing the hospital's infrastructure and services, Gitte said Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has directed that the bone marrow transplant ward be made functional at the earliest. He assured that all necessary technical support required by specialist doctors would be arranged to facilitate the launch of the service.

The Health Secretary instructed hospital authorities to continue providing modern treatment facilities to cancer patients and stressed the importance of strengthening decentralized cancer care across the state. 

To reduce the patient load at the regional cancer centre, he directed that oncologists regularly visit the three existing Day Care Centres located in Dhalai, Gomati and North Tripura districts.

At present, a significant number of cancer patients travel to Agartala for day-care services. Under the proposed arrangement, oncologists will visit these district centres once every month and provide training to local doctors. This will enable patients to access services such as oral chemotherapy, palliative care and follow-up treatment closer to their homes, reducing the need for frequent travel to Agartala while also easing pressure on the cancer hospital.

Gitte noted that the Regional Cancer Centre is currently capable of performing surgeries without referring patients elsewhere.

He emphasized the importance of expanding the institution's capacity, ensuring regular utilization of existing medical equipment, and keeping district-level day-care centres fully functional.

Responding to queries from journalists, the Health Secretary said the cancer hospital already offers a wide range of treatment facilities and is equipped with advanced laboratory services. 

He also stated that all essential medicines are generally available through Amrit Pharmacy, and any unavailable drugs would be procured within a short period.

He reiterated that the government would take all necessary steps to provide advanced treatment facilities at the hospital.

The Health Secretary also reviewed arrangements for patient attendants and said efforts are underway to operationalize the newly constructed night shelter in front of GB Pant Hospital. The facility is expected to provide accommodation support to family members accompanying patients from distant locations.

Gitte expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and functioning of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Centre, stating that any support required for the hospital would be provided through the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, the State Government and the National Health Mission (NHM).

Among those present during the inspection were National Health Mission, Tripura Mission Director Saju Wahid A, Director of Health Services Dr. Debashree Debbarma, Medical Superintendent of ABVRCC Dr. Shiromoni Debbarma, Member Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Society Dr. Souvik Debbarma, and State Programme Officer of NHM Tripura Dr. Sarayuti Reang.