Agartala (Tripura) [India], April 1 (HBTV): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched a midday meal service at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital on Monday, providing meals at a nominal cost of INR 10 for underprivileged patients and their families.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Rotary Club and the Patient Welfare Committee, aims to ease the financial burden on patients, many of whom travel from outside Agartala for treatment at GBP Hospital, one of the region’s oldest medical institutions.

Recognising the challenges faced by these families, the state government and hospital administration have ensured the availability of wholesome meals, including eggs, vegetables, and lentils, at an affordable price.

Speaking during the launch, Chief Minister Saha said, ‘Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, commonly known as GBP Hospital, is one of the oldest hospitals. It currently has 150 undergraduate students and about 89 postgraduate students. Many patients come here from outside the city. I have worked at this hospital before, and discussions were ongoing about the challenges faced by patients' families. In collaboration with the Rotary Club and the Patient Welfare Committee, a midday meal service has now been introduced, providing meals for just INR 10. I personally provided a meal to a patient, and they were very happy. You can understand how significant it is to get a meal for INR 10, which includes eggs, vegetables, and lentils.’

In addition to the meal service, a new shelter facility has been constructed for families accompanying patients, ensuring they have a place to stay and access to affordable food.

‘As the Honourable Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of such initiatives, we have ensured that this programme remains within our budget. Additionally, we are constructing a shelter room for those coming from outside, where they can stay and have meals. This facility has already been launched, and we are working further to enhance it,’ Saha added.

Beneficiaries of the scheme expressed their gratitude, highlighting the positive impact of the initiative.

Pramila Debnath, a family member of a patient, said, ‘The Honourable Chief Minister recently introduced an initiative where a midday meal is available for just INR 10. I am very happy about this, as it has greatly benefitted the poor. This kind of facility was never available before, and I truly appreciate it.’

Another beneficiary, Subhash Baishnab, said, ‘I really liked this initiative. For the past one and a half months, we have been here, but such a facility was not available before. Previously, we had to eat outside, whether it was day or night. But today, we have received this opportunity from the Tripura Government, and I truly appreciate it. I would like to tell the Chief Minister that no matter how many generations come in the future, we always hope to have a government like this that cares for us.’

With this meal service, the state government remains committed to further enhancing the programme, ensuring that every patient and their family receive adequate support during their stay at GBP Hospital.

(ANI)