Member of Parliament Voices Concerns on Health Services and Land Conversion Issues

Sourav Adhikari & Neeraj
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 08: In a press conference organised today, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, openly expressed his concerns on several pressing issues, ranging from governance to public health services, and Land Conversion.
Mr. Ray highlighted his recent experiences with local Administration and officials’ reluctance to respond to parliamentary queries, calling for greater transparency and adherence to official protocols. He shared that despite repeated attempts to raise questions with the administration, they have frequently failed to provide adequate responses, pointing out that responses given often misrepresent or lack clarity, especially on land conversion and authority jurisdiction issues.
A significant part of the press conference centered on the Andaman administration’s approach to essential health services. Mr. Ray cited recent cases from the island’s hospitals, where a lack of specialized care and surgical staff had reportedly led to several preventable fatalities.
He emphasized the urgent need for equipped Intensive Care Units (ICUs), surgical specialists, and adequate emergency facilities to handle complex cases, recounting several incidents where delays or insufficient care had dire consequences for patients.
Discussing land conversion policies, Mr. Ray claimed that recent statements provided to the Parliament were inaccurate, and called for immediate amendments. He pointed out the administration’s inefficiencies in implementing decisions, particularly regarding land-use projects aimed at boosting local employment and development. Highlighting procedural lapses, he expressed concern over delays in approvals which are affecting the region’s development and citizens’ welfare.
Mr. Ray urged the administration to streamline its response mechanisms to effectively address these issues. He called on the judiciary and concerned departments to take action, advocating for an improved healthcare system and accountability within the governance framework to ensure the welfare of Andaman residents.