In a major step towards bringing healthcare services closer to the people, the Tripura government has introduced evening outpatient department (OPD) services at district hospitals across the state.

The initiative has been taken under the direction of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, who has been emphasising the expansion of healthcare facilities and the development of improved health infrastructure to ensure accessible medical services for people at their doorstep.

According to a statement issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, patients can now avail themselves of OPD services at district hospitals between 5 pm and 8 pm. The extended service hours are expected to benefit patients who are unable to visit hospitals during regular working hours.

The evening OPD service was initially introduced at Gomati District Hospital following an inspection of the hospital's overall healthcare facilities by Health Department Secretary Kiran Gitte on July 14.

Following the response to the initiative, the government has decided to extend evening OPD services to the remaining district hospitals across Tripura.

The move is also expected to reduce the pressure on major state-level healthcare institutions, including Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital and IGM Hospital, as patients will have access to medical consultation and treatment closer to their respective districts.

The Health Department said the initiative is aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that people across the state have greater access to timely medical services.