Port Blair, Feb 09: The state Vice-President of BJP-A & N Islands, Mr. M. Vinod on Wednesday called on the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr.JyotiradityaSchindia and highlighted some of the burning issues related to the Aviation sector of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During the meeting Mr. Vinod submitted a letter to the Minister highlighting some burning issues that are affecting the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The letter states that, despite the vast development being witnessed in the Islands due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of Andaman and Nicobar are facing significant problems in the aviation sector. The most pressing issue is the exorbitant flight ticket rates that have badly affected the tourism industry, the largest private sector employment provider in the Islands.
Additionally, due to the lack of specialized medical treatment in the Islands, residents are often forced to travel to mainland cities like Chennai or Kolkata for emergency medical treatment. However, in the past few months, the non-availability of oxygen cylinders on flights has left residents in a deplorable condition and unable to travel during medical emergencies.
Furthermore, the cost of air travel for stretcher patients has become so expensive that poor patients are unable to undergo specialized medical treatment. The present cost for a stretcher patient ranges from Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 2.00 lakhs.
He requested the Minister tosolve these issues on a priority basis and that relief be provided to the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
