Sri Vijaya Puram, July 3, 2025:In a significant development aimed at improving emergency healthcare access for islanders, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is actively working on implementing air ambulance services to facilitate critical medical evacuations to the mainland. This was confirmed in a letter addressed to Mr. Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, by the Director of Health Services, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The letter was issued in response to concerns raised by Chairperson, Sri Vijaya Puram, regarding the lack of facilities for stretcher-bound patients traveling from Sri Vijaya Puram to the mainland. The issue was escalated to the Health & Law Group (HLG), prompting the administration to initiate formal steps toward a sustainable solution.
According to the official communication, the Union Territory administration is in the process of floating an Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite service providers for air ambulance (plane) services. These services will be provided on a need-basis to transport critically ill patients requiring immediate advanced care outside the islands.
Further strengthening the move, the letter confirmed that islanders enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) are eligible for reimbursement of travel costs. Patients referred by treating specialists for transfer as stretcher cases via air will be fully reimbursed for their tickets, including the fare for one accompanying attendant, as per PMJAY guidelines.
The initiative, once operational, is expected to bring major relief to families facing medical emergencies, particularly in remote parts of the archipelago, and marks a proactive step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
