South Tripura district has emerged as a beacon of hope in rural healthcare, for its exemplary palliative care services, according to a central delegation.

On Thursday, the central team visited the region as part of a specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop under the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC).

The delegation included key figures such as Dr. Kirti Saharan (National Program Coordinator, NPPC), Dr. Galvis Kumar (National Program Coordinator, NPHCE), and Dr. Aroop Roy Barman (State Program Officer, NPPC, Tripura).

The workshop, hosted in South Tripura, attracted medical professionals from all Northeastern states, emphasizing the growing importance of palliative care across the region.

Accompanied by Dr. Jyotirmoy Das, Chief Medical Officer of South Tripura, the delegation toured various medical facilities including both OPD and IPD units of the South Tripura District Hospital. They were joined by Medical Superintendent Dr. J. S. Reang and physicians Dr. Manish Chowdhury and Dr. Debabrata Das (Baikhora PHC).

A field visit to Betaga village offered firsthand insight into home-based care practices. There, the team met Bishnu Debnath, a 59-year-old patient battling oropharyngeal cancer. His case exemplified how structured palliative support is reaching patients in their homes, even in rural and remote areas.

At a follow-up seminar hosted at the CMO’s office, officials commended the district’s efforts. Dr. Saharan praised the system as “a model for the rest of the country,” highlighting the efficient integration of institutional and home-based palliative care.

Dr. Kumar emphasized the emotional value of such services, “This approach not only brings comfort to patients but also strengthens families during challenging times.”