Agartala, May 1: In a significant step towards easing the financial burden on cancer patients, Tripura’s Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy on Thursday inaugurated a dedicated Help Desk at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Hospital in Agartala. The initiative aims to simplify the process for patients to receive the monthly social security pension of Rs. 2,000 without unnecessary delays or administrative hurdles.
“This initiative stands as a shining example of our government’s commitment, compassion, and sense of responsibility towards society,” said Roy during the inauguration. He emphasized that the Help Desk will eliminate the need for patients or their families to run from one office to another to access the pension, making the process significantly more convenient.
Currently, around 4,000 cancer patients in the state are availing this benefit. Roy also revealed that plans are underway to extend the pension to another 150 patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
The event was also attended by MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Chairman of the hospital’s Rogi Kalyan Samity. He praised the government’s proactive measures and stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure timely delivery of welfare services to the public. Chakraborty further noted that the hospital’s improved services are now drawing patients from outside Tripura, reflecting its growing credibility.
However, he also acknowledged existing challenges at the hospital, such as infrastructural limitations and a shortage of medical staff, stressing the need for continued improvement.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior officials including Social Welfare Secretary Tapas Roy and Director Tapan Kumar Das, who expressed their support for the initiative and reiterated the department’s commitment to patient welfare.
The Help Desk is expected to bring much-needed relief and dignity to cancer patients navigating their treatment journey.
