Staff Correspondent
Mayabunder, Jan. 18: Serious concerns have been raised over the acute shortage of doctors and the non-availability of an ambulance at Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder, affecting healthcare services in North and Middle Andaman.
In a written representation addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman District, former Pramukh of Mayabunder, Mr. Abdul Siddique, highlighted several doctors are either on sick leave/ normal or have gone to Sri Vijaya Puram on official duty.
At present, only two GDMOs and one Paediatrician are managing both outpatient and inpatient services at the district hospital. The excessive workload has reportedly placed immense physical and mental pressure on the available doctors, making it extremely difficult to manage OPD duties, inpatient care, and emergency calls on a daily basis.
The representation further pointed out that the hospital is already facing a shortage of doctors, a matter that has earlier been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities. To address the immediate vacuum, a request has been made for the urgent posting of an additional GDMO and a Gynaecologist in the interest of public health services.
Adding to the concern, the hospital currently has no ambulance available. The only ambulance attached to Dr. R.P. Hospital left for Port Blair earlier in the day with a patient, leaving no backup vehicle for emergencies. In the event of any emergency or referral, the hospital has no alternative transport arrangement, posing a serious risk to patients’ lives.
The letter emphasized that despite having substantial infrastructure, the district hospital is in a critical condition due to the shortage of doctors, staff nurses, and essential emergency services. Immediate attention, backup arrangements, and additional ambulances have been sought to ensure uninterrupted emergency healthcare services for the residents of North and Middle Andaman.
