Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 28: Expressing serious concern over the shortage of essential technical and non-technical staff at Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder, Ex-Pramukh Mr. Abdul Siddique has urged the A&N Administration to take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the people of North & Middle Andaman.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Siddique highlighted that the District Hospital at Mayabunder serves a large population from the North and Middle Andaman region. He stated that the shortage of essential manpower is creating difficulties in providing proper medical services locally and forcing patients to travel to Port Blair for investigations and treatment that should ideally be available at the district hospital.
Siddique particularly raised concern over the shortage of Lab Technicians. He pointed out that following the transfer of the existing Lab Technician from Dr. R.P. Hospital, Mayabunder to Port Blair, no replacement has been posted so far.
He said that the absence of adequate laboratory staff is affecting the proper functioning of the hospital laboratory. He also expressed concern over the non-availability of essential laboratory reagents, due to which several tests are reportedly not being carried out.
The letter also highlights the issue of the Dental Technician. Although a Dental Technician is reportedly shown as posted at Mayabunder, the technician has allegedly been performing duties at CHC Rangat for several years.
Mr. Siddique has requested that a Dental Technician be made available at Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder, without further delay so that patients can receive dental services locally.
Another major concern raised is the shortage of Pharmacists. Siddique stated that the senior Pharmacist previously serving at the hospital unfortunately passed away after falling seriously ill.
At present, he said, a single lady Pharmacist is reportedly managing the workload of the entire hospital from morning to evening. He emphasized that one person cannot reasonably be expected to handle the workload of several staff members indefinitely and urged the Administration to post an additional Pharmacist at the earliest.
Mr. Siddique further drew attention to the shortage of an X-Ray Technician and other essential technical and non-technical staff, stating that such shortages directly affect patient care and create additional hardship, particularly for people travelling from distant parts of the district.
He appealed to the Chief Secretary to issue necessary directions to the concerned authorities for the immediate posting of Lab Technician, Dental Technician, Pharmacist, X-Ray Technician and other essential staff at Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder.
“The District Hospital at Mayabunder must have adequate manpower and facilities to serve the people of North & Middle Andaman. Patients should not be compelled to travel to Port Blair for basic investigations and treatment merely because of shortages of essential staff,” Mr. Siddique said.
He urged the Administration to consider the matter on an urgent basis and take necessary action in the larger interest of the people of Mayabunder and the entire North & Middle Andaman District.
