World Health Day: Tripura CM stresses to fight drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, child marriage

IANS April 7, 2025 143 views

Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha led a significant World Health Day rally in Agartala, addressing critical health and social challenges. The event focused on combating drug abuse, reducing HIV transmission, and preventing child marriage through community awareness. Saha, a dental surgeon, emphasized the government's commitment to transforming Tripura's healthcare system and creating a healthier society. The rally underscored the importance of comprehensive healthcare and social interventions to build a hopeful future for the state's residents.

"These are not just health concerns but also major social challenges" - Manik Saha, Tripura CM
Agartala, April 7: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday attended a rally in Agartala to mark World Health Day 2025, and emphasised the need to tackle the rising cases of drug abuse, particularly among injectable drug users, which has led to an increase in HIV/AIDS patients in the state.

Key Points

1

Tripura aims to reduce injectable drug user HIV risks

2

Government commits to strengthening healthcare infrastructure

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World Health Day focuses on community health awareness

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Prevention of child marriage highlighted as key social goal

After participating in the World Health Day rally, organised by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT), the Chief Minister said that to build a healthier society, reduction in drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and child marriage is a must.

“These are not just health concerns but also major social challenges,” said Saha, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio.

With the theme ‘Healthy Beginning, Hopeful Future’, to mark World Health Day 2025, various programmes were organised across Tripura and the main event held in Agartala, where a large number of doctors, nurses, health workers, students from various educational institutions, common people, and security personnel participated.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted pressing health and social issues faced by the society.

Expressing his concern over increasing HIV risk, Saha, who is a dental surgeon, also flagged early child marriage as a significant concern.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system, he said that the government has given priority to strengthening the health infrastructure and announced plans to establish a dedicated eye hospital in the state.

He said this initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Tripura into a medical hub, supported by growing investments in the health sector.

“Tripura is now among the most peaceful states, and we are reaping the benefits through increased investments, including in healthcare infrastructure. People must take advantage of the super-specialty facilities now available here instead of seeking costly treatment outside the state,” he added.

Renowned physician Pradip Bhowmik, who founded the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura, emphasised the importance of raising awareness about girl child care, preventing child marriage, and ensuring proper healthcare for pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth.

“Proper healthcare for pregnant mothers before, during, and after childbirth would ensure the birth of a healthy child,” Bhowmik said and stressed the need for adopting healthy lifestyle practices to prevent diseases.

The rally marched through the important streets of Agartala, spreading messages about good health practices and the importance of mental well-being.

World Health Day is observed globally on April 7 each year to mark the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.

Since 1950, the day has served as a platform to draw attention to key health issues impacting communities worldwide.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great initiative by the CM! Drug abuse is destroying so many young lives in our state. We need more awareness programs like this 👏
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the focus on health issues, I wish there were more concrete plans shared about how they'll actually reduce child marriage rates. Awareness is good but we need stronger enforcement too.
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Sanjay T.
The eye hospital announcement is promising! My mother had to travel to Kolkata for her cataract surgery last year. Having quality healthcare locally will be a game-changer 💯
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Ananya R.
Mental health awareness should be included more prominently in these campaigns. Drug abuse often stems from untreated mental health issues. Overall a good start though!
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Deepak S.
As someone working in healthcare, I'm glad to see the focus on HIV prevention. The rise in cases among injectable drug users is alarming. Need needle exchange programs ASAP.
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Meena P.
'Healthy Beginning, Hopeful Future' is such a powerful theme! The rally must have been inspiring to see. Hope the messages reach every corner of Tripura 🌟

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
World Health Day Manik Saha Tripura Health Drug Abuse Prevention HIV Awareness Healthcare Infrastructure
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