Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 22: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to review and amend certain clauses in the existing guidelines governing the referral of patients to mainland hospitals and reimbursement of travel expenses under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
In his representation, the Member of Parliamentg highlighted the practical challenges faced by island patients in availing referral and reimbursement benefits after the suspension of the earlier ANIISHI scheme. Under ANIISHI, beneficiaries received comprehensive cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per individual, including transportation and diagnostic costs. However, following the merger with Ayushman Bharat, the revised guidelines issued by the State Health Agency (SHA) vide O.M. dated 20th June 2023 have created difficulties for islanders in meeting travel and treatment-related expenses.
Mr. Ray pointed out that under the existing provisions, reimbursement is largely confined to ship fares, despite the fact that ship services to mainland sectors (Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam) are infrequent and irregular. This often compels patients and their attendants to travel by air at their own expense. He stressed that such limitations defeat the objective of timely and affordable medical access for the island population.
To address these concerns, the Mr. Ray, Hon’ble MP has requested the following key amendments to the existing guidelines:
1. Inclusion of Both-Way Air Travel as Standard Provision: Air travel (onward and return) should be made the default and reimbursable mode of transport for all referred patients to mainland empanelled hospitals, ensuring timely treatment and financial relief.
2. Flexibility in Purchase of Air Tickets: Patients should be allowed to purchase air tickets through any authorized travel agent of their choice, instead of being restricted to government-approved agencies such as Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., Ashok Travels & Tours, or IRCTC, which are not available in all island locations.
3. Credit Facility for Ticketing: The MP proposed that ANIIDCO or any other designated agency be authorized to issue air tickets on a credit basis, as was practiced under the ANIISHI scheme, to minimize financial hardship for referred patients.
4. Enhancement of Income Ceiling: The income ceiling of ₹3 lakh per annum fixed in 2015 under the ANIISHI scheme should be revised upward in view of the rising cost of living and inflation over the past decade, ensuring wider coverage for genuinely needy non-SECC beneficiaries.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray emphasized that these amendments would safeguard the interests of economically weaker patients, ensure equity, and provide timely medical access to the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Mr. Amit Shah, Home Minister of India, Mr. JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare for their information and necessary instruction to the UT Administration in this regard.
