Sri Vijaya Puram, July 31: The Member of Parliament from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has written to the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, requesting urgent strengthening of medical facilities at the Sub-District Hospital, Diglipur and a comprehensive review of all District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health & Wellness Centres across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In his letter, the MP stated that the Sub-District Hospital at Diglipur was established by upgrading the Community Health Centre following the announcement made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during his visit to Port Blair on 30th December 2018. The hospital was upgraded to meet the healthcare needs of the growing population of North Andaman. However, despite the upgradation, several essential facilities are still not available.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray pointed out that the hospital is facing an acute shortage of specialist doctors, General Physicians, Radiologists, healthcare professionals, medicines, laboratory equipment, diagnostic facilities and sanitation staff. Due to these deficiencies, patients from Diglipur and nearby areas are forced to travel to G.B. Pant Hospital, Sri Vijayapuram, even for routine specialist consultation and diagnostic services, causing financial hardship and inconvenience to the islanders while increasing the burden on the referral hospital.
The MP further informed that similar shortages of doctors, medical staff, medicines and diagnostic facilities also exist in the District Hospitals at Mayabunder and Car Nicobar, besides several Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and Health & Wellness Centres across the Islands. He emphasized that these shortcomings have continued for a long time and require immediate attention.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has requested the Union Health Minister to personally intervene and direct a comprehensive review of the healthcare infrastructure across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He has urged the Ministry to fill all vacant medical and paramedical posts, strengthen diagnostic and treatment facilities, ensure the regular availability of essential medicines, provide adequate laboratory equipment and supporting staff, and improve healthcare infrastructure so that quality medical services become accessible to people living in every part of the Islands.
The MP has also forwarded copies of his representation to the Union Home Minister, the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, requesting their intervention for the early resolution of the healthcare issues affecting the islanders.
