Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 28: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has informed Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray that corrective measures have been initiated to address infrastructure deficiencies and staff shortages at healthcare institutions in Campbell Bay and adjoining areas, including the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Campbell Bay and Health & Wellness Centres at Rajeev Nagar and Govind Nagar.
In an official communication (shared online) dated August 25, 2026, addressed to the Member of Parliament, Secretary (Health) stated that the issues raised by the MP regarding the condition of health facilities at Campbell Bay, particularly renovation requirements and shortage of staff, had been examined in detail and that necessary action had already been initiated by the Health Department A point-wise status report on the four issues raised by the MP was also enclosed with the communication.
Regarding the PHC Campbell Bay, the Department informed that administrative approval and expenditure sanction had been accorded for “Major Repair, Renovation and Re-Roofing of PHC Campbell Bay” at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.20 crore. The official communication stated that the work has commenced and is presently under progress. The renovation and repair works are being taken up on priority with the objective of strengthening the infrastructure, ensuring a safe and functional healthcare facility and improving the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.
The Department’s status report also acknowledged concerns regarding the condition of the PHC, including major cracks in the building structure, damaged ceilings and tin roofs and continuous water leakage. These issues had been highlighted as posing safety concerns for both staff and patients.
On the shortage of healthcare personnel, the Administration stated that the ANM posts at PHC Campbell Bay are presently filled as per the sanctioned strength. However, there is a shortage of an Ophthalmic Assistant. To ensure uninterrupted ophthalmic services, an Ophthalmic Assistant from CHC Nancowry has been assigned to provide the necessary coverage. The Department further stated that available pharmacists are managing pharmaceutical services effectively to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential healthcare services.
With regard to the Health & Wellness Centre at Rajeev Nagar, the Administration informed that the Directorate had sanctioned an estimated Rs. 7.85 lakh for its renovation through a letter dated February 26, 2026. The Performance Guarantee (PG) letter has been issued and the work is expected to be taken up shortly. The Department said the renovation would improve the infrastructure and provide better facilities for healthcare staff and beneficiaries.
For the Health & Wellness Centre at Govind Nagar, which was reported to be in an extensively damaged condition, including broken doors, cracked walls and damaged electrical wiring, the Directorate has accorded administrative approval and sanctioned Rs. 9.87 lakh for renovation. The work has already been awarded and preliminary activities, including mobilisation of materials at the site, are presently underway. The Department stated that the renovation would be taken up on priority.
Addressing the broader issue of manpower, the official communication said efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services through optimal deployment of available personnel, while vacant posts are proposed to be filled through the forthcoming transfer and recruitment process. The Administration reiterated that it remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of quality health services to residents of Campbell Bay and adjoining areas.
