Deepak Kumar Singh & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 15: Residents of Little Andaman’s Hutbay region are grappling with severe medical issues due to the lack of proper healthcare facilities. The absence of a qualified doctor for performing ultrasounds forces people to travel to Port Blair for ultrasound tests, incurring significant expenses on food, accommodation, and travel. This situation is not only financially burdensome but also physically taxing for patients who need immediate medical attention.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the Zilla Parishad member Mr. M. Vasudevan Nair pointed out that it has been two years since the matter was brought to the attention of the Director of Health Services, but no concrete action has been taken. There are two PHCs at Little Andaman PHC R K Pur and PHC Hut Bay, while there is a ultrasound machine at PHC Hut Bay there are not qualified doctor to perform ultrasound tests. “Earlier, once or twice in a month we used to get Doctors for ultrasound tests at Little Andaman but now, no such arrangements are made, even after request,” he added.
He added that the AYUSH healthcare infrastructure in Hutbay includes one homeopathic clinic in RK Pur and one Ayurvedic clinic in Hutbay. The public has been demanding a rotational shift system where both doctors alternate between Hutbay and RK Pur every three days. This arrangement would significantly ease the difficulties faced by the community, ensuring better access to medical services.
