Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 23: A section of audio clip allegedly featuring BJP State President Mr. Anil Tiwari and BJP leader and social worker Angshuman Roy has sparked a major political controversy in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with the Congress demanding Mr. Tiwari’s resignation and raising serious questions over the patient referral system from GB Pant Hospital to mainland India.
Addressing a press conference, ANTCC leaders, including District President John Robert Babu and senior Congress leader M.A. Sajid, clarified that they were not authenticating the audio clip, but claimed that if the conversation was genuine, it raised disturbing questions about the manner in which critically ill patients are referred to mainland hospitals.
Congress leaders alleged that the conversation indicated a possible “business model” surrounding patient referrals, claiming that airlifting critically ill patients often costs families lakhs of rupees, leaving many financially devastated. They demanded that BJP State President Mr. Anil Tiwari step down and called for an independent investigation into the alleged nexus.
Many now on social media questioned whether there could be a system of kickbacks or commissions linked to referrals, whether intermediaries were earning huge profits, whether any doctors or officials were involved, and whether such an alleged network enjoyed political patronage. Congress leaders asserted that the controversy had shaken public confidence in the healthcare referral mechanism, particularly among patients compelled to seek costly treatment outside the islands.
They also demanded greater transparency regarding referrals made from GB Pant Hospital and sought clarification on the role of private facilitators in arranging medical evacuations.
Responding to the allegations, Mr. Angshuman Roy categorically rejected all charges, stating that the viral audio clip was edited, taken out of context, and had no connection whatsoever with patient referrals, healthcare services, or any alleged business involving medical evacuations.
Mr. Roy explained that the conversation actually related to organisational responsibilities concerning the International Yoga Day programme and said selective portions had been circulated to create a false political narrative. He maintained that references to “business” were linked to his long-running advertising agency and not to any healthcare activity.
Mr. Roy also challenged his critics to produce evidence of any patient or family from whom he had allegedly taken money illegally, asserting that his role has only been to facilitate arrangements for patients requiring emergency evacuation whenever requested.
With both sides sticking firmly to their respective positions, the controversy has intensified political debate while also bringing renewed public attention to the transparency, affordability and accountability of the island’s patient referral system.
