A new support facility for families of patients at GBP Hospital was inaugurated here on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha opening the Bharat Mata Canteen-cum-Night Shelter as part of the government’s efforts to improve amenities around the state’s premier healthcare institution.

Built at an estimated cost of nearly Rs. 5 crore fulfilling the poll promise, the facility is intended to provide affordable food and accommodation to attendants of patients undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Following the inauguration, Dr. Saha visited the shelter house and inspected its rooms and other facilities. He also sought details from officials regarding the infrastructure, services and arrangements made for those using the facility.

The Chief Minister directed the authorities to ensure regular maintenance, adequate security and effective monitoring of the premises. He stressed the installation of sufficient CCTV cameras and the establishment of a dedicated command centre to oversee the facility.

He also called upon elected representatives in the area to periodically review the functioning of the shelter house and ensure that the services remain accessible and properly managed.

Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte and senior officials of the Health Department attended the programme.

The Chief Minister said the government was also expanding night shelter facilities across the state under the Tripura Urban Livelihoods Mission (TULM). Of the nearly 12 shelter houses being developed, work on 11 has been completed and nine are already operational. The remaining two are expected to be opened shortly. The combined expenditure on these facilities stands at Rs. 26.88 crore, he said.

Speaking on the broader expansion of healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Saha said, preparations were underway to lay the foundation stone for a 100-seat medical college in Dhalai district within the next few days.

He also underlined the importance of trauma care and cardiac care facilities as key components of a modern hospital system. According to the Chief Minister, steps have been initiated to introduce such facilities in sub-divisional and district hospitals across Tripura.