MBBS seats: Puducherry 150 +, Tiny Lakshadweep 13, A & N Islands only 18
Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Apr 30: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today demanded more MBBS seats for A & N Islands.
Addressing a press conference at Port Blair the Member of Parliament today said that A & N Islands are getting less number of MBBS seats, when compared to other Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
“Lakshadweep has a population of 64,000 but they are getting 13 MBBS seats, Puducherry has a population of 12 Lakhs and they are getting more than 150 MBBS seats but A & N Islands, which has a population of 3.79 Lakh, is getting only 18 MBBS seats,”
Ray demanded increase in MBBS Seats for students of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
“Andaman and Nicobar Islands should get atleast 60 MBBS seats,” the MP demanded.
Lauding the efforts of Andaman and Nicobar Administration the MP said the local Administration doing its best to get more MBBS Seats.
“On 19 July 2011 Administration has written a letter to the Government of India demanding 25 MBBS seats and 5 BDS seats. Again on 17 February 2012 another letter was sent by Administration to Home Minister recommending allotment of more MBBS seats for these remote Islands,” the MP added.
The MP assured to take the matter in New Delhi and urged parents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to pitch their voice too.
During the Press Conference he said that there is panic in Great Nicobar Islands since its Indira Point area, was hit by an Earthquake and Tsunami on 11.04.2012.
He said that on 11th April 2012 a tsunami had hit Indira Point region of Great Nicobar Islands and lives of 15 Government Servants were miraculously saved. He said that this matter has been highlighted by him on the floor of Lok Sabha on 26th April 2012.
“There is a need for better preparedness for Disaster,” the MP added.
Bishnu Pada Ray added that the Jawans of A & N Police and Indian Reserve Batallion (IRBn) are serving in the most difficult conditions where there is always a threat from Foreign intruders.
He urged the government of India, to provide modern weapons and boats to the security people posted in remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Talking about the pathetic condition of the health facilities in Campbell Bay Mr. Ray said that there is no permanent Doctor in Campbell Bay, inadequate availability of medicines, lack of modern equipments like ECG machine. The MP demanded a health grant for Campbell Bay Island.
He said that posts of 62 doctors are vacant in Andaman and Nicobar Islands but still doctors who are serving these Islands since last 20 years were not allowed to appear in UPSC exam because they are over-aged.
