Itanagar, September 16: Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday mourned the passing of Dr Shyamal Bhattacharya, Principal and Dean of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS). He died at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness.

According to hospital authorities, Dr Bhattacharya had been under intensive care for the past two weeks due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated by refractory thrombocytopenia. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Appointed in 2018, Dr Bhattacharya played a key role in developing medical education at TRIHMS. Students and colleagues remembered him as a mentor and visionary who guided the institute with dedication.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu described his death as an irreparable loss. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Health Minister Biyuram Wahge also acknowledged his significant contributions to TRIHMS and Arunachal Pradesh’s healthcare sector.

Doctors, colleagues, and students across the state paid tribute to Dr Bhattacharya, highlighting his commitment to strengthening medical education and healthcare services in Arunachal Pradesh.