Poor Health Infrastructure in remote Islands :::: Absence of Ambulance causes Patient’s Death at Baratang

Baratang Correspondent

Port Blair, Dec 17: The Pradhan of Sundargarh Panchayat, Baratang Island, Mr. Biju Gurudasan today alleged that absence of Ambulance in PHC Baratang has claimed a life in Baratang Island.

Seema Lakra, 22 years old lady from Khatta Khari village of Baratang died at 10.00 am today because of suspected ‘Andaman Fever’. Late Seema Lakra, mother of one infant, had gone to PHC Baratang nearly three days back with high fever and other symptoms, similar to Andaman Fever but she was not referred to Port Blair.

“When I asked the incharge of PHC Baratang that why she was not referred to Port Blair for treatment, the incharge replied that as ambulance was not there in Hospital, she was not sent. The lady belongs to a poor family and couldn’t afford to hire a Jeep or four-wheeler to reach G B Pant Hospital. Finally she died this morning,” Mr. Gurudasan added.

Andaman Sheekha has learnt that since 6th December the Ambulance of PHC Baratang is out of Station. According to reports the Ambulance was sent to Port Blair for repair works but no replacement was sent from Port Blair for PHC Baratang.

Even after repeated attempts Andaman Sheekha could not reach the In-charge of Baratang PHC to get a comment on this whole issue.

Situation is not different in other remote Islands too. Highly placed sources in Health Department told Andaman Sheekha that in CHC Rangat, out of five Ambulances only one Ambulance is in running condition.

Billyground’s Ambulance met with an accident on July 12 2012, after which a replacement was sent to Billyground but sadly that Ambulance is not in good condition.