Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said
his government is ready to welcome any suitable and viable public-private
partnership (PPP) initiative in setting up medical colleges in the Northeastern
State.
His remark comes after the CM held a
meeting with a delegation of NITI Aayog led by its senior member Dr VK Saraswat
at his residence.
Currently, the State has two medical
colleges, Agartala Government Medical College, and another society-run Tripura
Medical College.
Besides, a government-run dental college
opened in the current academic session.
“Today, I had a meeting with a
delegation of NITI Aayog where an intensive discussion took place on different
issues. They proposed setting up a medical college under the PPP model. I told
them that we are receiving such proposals but the government wants a suitable
and viable offer,” he told reporters.
CM Saha said many Bangladeshis visit
Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport here to go outside the State for medical purposes
because they want ‘branded’ hospitals to get modern treatment.
“If we can set up a medical college with
all modern facilities under the PPP model, they will stay back and get
treatment here which will be cost-effective. If any offer with a viable PPP
model comes, the government will surely welcome it,” he said.
Claiming that the NITI Aayog is happy
with the State’s performance in various growth parameters, the CM said he
highlighted the trade barriers on export to Bangladesh.
“There is a ban on exporting
rubber-based products to Bangladesh because they want raw rubber sheets.
Besides, Dhaka charges exorbitant duty on tea exports, which is a stumbling
block to trade with the neighbouring country. The NITI Aayog delegation gave a
patient hearing on our issues,” he said.
The NITI Aayog made some proposals to
strengthen the State’s economy and the government will surely work on these, he
added.
PTI
