Sri Vijaya Puram, July 12: Chairman of the Unorganised Workers and Employees Congress (UWEC), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. S. Tejeswara Rao, has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to introduce a Universal Health Insurance Scheme providing cashless health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per person annually for every resident and unorganised worker in the Islands.
In a representation submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, through the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Rao highlighted the unique geographical and logistical challenges faced by the islanders in accessing quality healthcare. He stated that many patients are compelled to travel to mainland India for specialized treatment, resulting in severe financial hardship and delays in receiving life-saving medical care.
The memorandum pointed out that residents and unorganised workers continue to face difficulties due to the limited availability of specialist doctors, inadequate diagnostic and treatment facilities, shortage of essential medicines, and delays in referrals to higher medical institutions. It stressed that the introduction of a comprehensive universal health insurance scheme has become an urgent public necessity to ensure timely and affordable healthcare for all.
Mr. Rao requested that the proposed scheme should provide cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per year at well-recognized hospitals across India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Delhi, covering emergency treatment as well as other critical illnesses. He also emphasized the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure within the Islands while ensuring that patients requiring advanced treatment can access quality hospitals on the mainland without financial burden.
Referring to the constitutional obligation of the government, Mr. Rao stated that the Right to Health forms an integral part of the Right to Life under the Constitution of India and that ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for residents of remote islands is a constitutional responsibility.
The representation further drew attention to the deficiencies in healthcare services at G.B. Pant Hospital, district hospitals and remote health centres across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the shortage of doctors, essential medicines and critical medical facilities. Rao urged the Administration to constitute a High-Level Expert Committee to assess the prevailing healthcare situation, recommend corrective measures, and safeguard the right to quality healthcare for every resident.
Appealing for immediate action, Rao requested the Administration to accord the proposal the highest priority and take necessary steps for the implementation of a Universal Health Insurance Scheme in the larger public interest.
