Agartala, October 12, 2026: Along with expanding healthcare infrastructure, the Tripura government is strengthening access to specialist doctors and advanced medical services, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha said, announcing the launch of free Emicizumab prophylaxis treatment for patients suffering from Hemophilia A. The state currently has 97 registered Hemophilia A patients and 13 Hemophilia B patients, with the government spending around ₹5–6 crore annually on their treatment. IGM Hospital has been designated as the nodal centre for the new service.
The state-of-the-art treatment will be provided entirely free of cost, reducing the medical burden on patients and their families while improving their quality of life. Saha made the announcement while inaugurating the service at a programme held at the auditorium of the Nursing College at the AGDC and IGM Complex in Agartala.
The Chief Minister formally launched the facility by personally administering an Emicizumab injection to a patient suffering from Hemophilia A. Recalling his years as a medical practitioner, he said administering an injection after a long interval brought back memories of his earlier professional life.
Saha highlighted the difficulties faced by Hemophilia patients in the past, particularly in procuring Factor VIII from outside the state and maintaining it at the required temperature. These challenges often created hardships for patients and their families. Having been associated with the Hemophilia Society for a long time, he said he had witnessed their difficulties firsthand.
Emicizumab prophylaxis is expected to simplify treatment by reducing the need for frequent injections. The medicine will be administered at prescribed intervals under medical supervision, helping patients manage the condition more conveniently.
Hemophilia is a hereditary bleeding disorder that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots. Hemophilia A results from a deficiency of Factor VIII, while Hemophilia B is caused by a deficiency of Factor IX. Patients may suffer prolonged bleeding after injuries, while internal bleeding can also occur, making timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment essential.
According to the Chief Minister, the actual number of patients in Tripura may be higher than the registered figures, as further screening is required to identify undiagnosed cases. The government is also working to extend necessary medical services to district hospitals so that patients can access treatment closer to their homes instead of travelling long distances.
Highlighting the government’s broader healthcare initiatives, Saha said emphasis was being placed on disease prevention, vaccination, nutrition and public awareness. Tripura achieved its target during the Measles-Rubella vaccination drive conducted from August 10 to 25. Efforts are also underway to meet the targets under the MASKA programme and strengthen child and adolescent health through Albendazole administration, Iron-Folic Acid supplementation and Td vaccination.
Health check-ups have been conducted for around 90,000 students in 125 schools under the Vidyajyoti scheme, he added.
The Chief Minister further pointed to initiatives to expand specialist and super-specialty healthcare, including plans for medical colleges in minority-dominated areas under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, a proposed private medical college in Dhalai district and the expansion of super-specialty services at GBP Hospital and Medical College. Measures are also being taken to improve de-addiction centres and rehabilitation services.
Under the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana, eligible families are being provided cashless medical treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. Saha said the expansion of advanced medical facilities within the state had reduced the need for patients to travel outside Tripura for treatment.
Emphasising the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, he said awareness and access to advanced medical care must be strengthened to build a healthy society and contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Debbarma, chairman of the State-Level Technical Committee on Hemophilia, delivered the welcome address. Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Health Services Dr. Debasree Debbarma, IGM Hospital Superintendent Dr. Nirmal Sarkar and Hemophilia Society Nodal Officer Dr. Mrinal Das were among those present.