John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 12: The people of Katchal and Teressa Islands have been tirelessly demanding for a new ambulance for the Primary Health Center (PHC) in their Island since the last several months. Sadly even after commissioning Ambulances for these two PHCs the Ambulances are still at Nancowry Island and have not been sent to respective PHCs.
The lone ambulance currently assigned to the PHC Katchal has been plagued by frequent breakdowns, causing huge disruptions during medical emergencies. Consequently, the local population has had to rely on police vans or local vehicles to reach the PHC, resulting in compromised access to vital medical services.
Despite the commissioning of new ambulance services, the Islanders of Katchal and Teressa Islands continue to face difficulties in availing themselves of these services. The ambulance has yet to reach their Islands from Nancowry Island, leaving the residents in a precarious situation.
The tribal council has made multiple appeals to the Department of Health Services (DHS), urging them to promptly intervene and dispatch the new ambulance to the PHC in Katchal and Teressa Islands.
Mr. GT. Lawrence, General Secretary of the Katchal Settler’s Welfare Association, expressed the hardships endured by the local population. He highlighted the repeated instances of the existing ambulance being in need of repair and its unreliability. Moreover, Mr. Lawrence mentioned that despite the inauguration of three ambulance services for Katchal, Teressa , and Nancowry Islands, four months have passed without the ambulance reaching Katchal and Teressa Islands.
When contacted by Andaman Sheekha Daily, a senior officer from the Directorate of Health Service confirmed that the ambulance is ready to be transported to Katchal and Teressa Islands but due to the unavailability of a cargo ship for transportation, the vehicle has not been sent on time. The officer added that they have already requested the A&N Administration to provide a cargo vessel urgently for the ambulance to reach Katchal and Teressa Islands.
This delay in sending the new ambulances at the PHC in Katchal and Teressa remains a pressing concern for the local population, who continue to grapple with inadequate medical transportation. Hope the Chief Secretary will intervene into this matter soon and direct the concerned departments to make sure that the Ambulances reach to concerned PHC as soon as possible.
