In a groundbreaking achievement for Tripura's public healthcare system, doctors at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital have successfully performed a rare and complex spinal surgery on an 11-year-old boy — the first of its kind in the state.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, renowned pediatrician and former Director of the State Health Department, said the boy was admitted to the pediatric ward on March 28, suffering from persistent numbness in the lower body and severe spinal pain that eventually left him bedridden.
“Despite extended treatment, his condition worsened steadily. He became unable to walk or even lie down comfortably. Following thorough investigation, we diagnosed him with advanced spinal tuberculosis — a rare and serious condition. Anti-TB medication was started immediately. With support from the hospital administration and the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, all preparations for the surgery were made,” Dr. Debbarma said.
The high-risk surgery, which lasted over five hours, was successfully carried out on June 2 after more than two months of hospitalisation.
Dr. Sidda Reddy, a leading neurosurgeon involved in the procedure, said, “The spinal curvature was so extreme that the child couldn’t sit or recline. It was a truly exceptional case — one we had never encountered before. The success of this surgery is a significant breakthrough for us.”
Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent of AGMC and GB Pant Hospital, who oversaw the operation, confirmed that all medical equipment, procedures, and hospital charges were provided free of cost.
“This is the first time such an advanced spinal operation has been carried out in Tripura. In the past, patients with similar conditions had to be referred outside the state due to the lack of specialists. This marks a historic milestone for Tripura’s medical sector,” he said.
The surgery was successful, and while only 11 days have passed since the procedure, early signs of recovery are encouraging, raising hopes for the boy’s return to a normal life.
