Tripura’s Healthcare in Ruins Under BJP, says Congress
Congress slams BJP for healthcare collapse, rising diseases.
The opposition Congress in Tripura has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, alleging a complete collapse of the state’s healthcare system under Chief Minister Manik Saha, a doctor by profession. Congress spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty accused the administration of prioritizing “flashy showcases” over substantive reforms, claiming rampant corruption and medical negligence have led to preventable deaths and a surge in diseases.
On Saturday, Chakraborty cited a Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare report, which ranked Tripura first among northeastern states for malaria and chikungunya cases in 2024-25, despite its population of just 44 lakh compared to Assam’s over 3 crore. The state reported 22,412 malaria cases in 2023, nearly half the Northeast’s total, while chikungunya cases spiked from 1,557 in 2023 to 2,452 by December 2024.
Even more alarming, Chakraborty highlighted a sharp rise in HIV cases, with 1,237 people testing positive out of 12,660 tested between January and November 2024. He attributed these failures to systemic issues, including inadequate infrastructure, understaffed hospitals, and a lack of preventive measures.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Kicks Off 1,300-km ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar
Chakraborty also alleged widespread corruption in medical recruitments, claiming candidates with abysmally low scores—some as low as 14-15 out of 100—were appointed as medical officers. “This reflects the government’s negligence and lack of meritocracy,” he stated, accusing the administration of favoring optics over action.
The Congress leader challenged the BJP’s claims of a “health revolution,” pointing to independent and government reports that expose deteriorating healthcare metrics. He criticized the state for failing to equip hospitals with essential diagnostic tools and medicines, leaving patients, especially in rural areas, vulnerable. “The chief minister, being a doctor, should be ashamed of this collapse,” Chakraborty remarked.
The opposition urged Saha to implement urgent reforms, including transparent recruitment, increased funding for hospitals, and robust disease prevention programs. With public frustration mounting, Congress called for accountability and a complete overhaul of Tripura’s healthcare system to address the growing crisis.
Also Read: Pawar Recalls Toppling Patil’s Govt, Praises Congress Unity
