Agartala, May 01:  In a major step to ease the burden on cancer patients, the Tripura government has launched a specialized Help Desk at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Hospital in Agartala.

This initiative aims to streamline access to the state’s social security pension, ensuring eligible patients can receive the monthly Rs. 2,000 benefit without navigating multiple government offices.

Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, who inaugurated the help desk on Thursday, described the move as part of the government’s larger push to make welfare schemes more accessible. 

Currently, around 4,000 cancer patients in Tripura benefit from the social pension scheme, with plans underway to extend the aid to another 150 individuals battling the disease, Roy stated.

Roy expressed optimism that this hospital-based service would bring relief and hope to patients during an especially difficult time in their lives.

Ratan Chakraborty, MLA and Chairman of the hospital’s Rogi Kalyan Samity, praised the new initiative, noting that the hospital’s improved services are attracting patients even from neighboring states and Bangladesh. 

However, he acknowledged existing challenges, including infrastructure limitations and staff shortages, which the government is working to address.

Secretary Tapas Roy and Director Tapan Kumar Das were also present at the launch event.