Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 03: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for enhancing the financial support and facilities available to patients referred under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
During a press conference held today (03.09.2026) at MP Office, the MP stated that, with a view to extending better facilities and financial assistance to patients referred under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, he had raised several important issues with the Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, on 21 October 2025.
Following discussions held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary in the General Body meeting of the State Health Society, the issues raised by the MP have been considered, and appropriate decisions have been taken to modify the existing guidelines relating to referral cases, with the objective of safeguarding the interests of patients covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and referred to empanelled hospitals. This has been confirmed in a written communication sent to the MP by the Secretary (Healath), A&N Administration on 28.08.2026.
The enhanced facilities and modifications in the guidelines, effective from 01 August 2026, include:
1. Enhanced income ceiling: The income ceiling for eligibility under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has been enhanced from Rs.3 lakh to Rs.5 lakh, enabling eligible beneficiaries to avail cashless treatment up to Rs.5 lakh.
2. Air travel facility: The earlier provision of ship fare for the patient and attendant has been revised. The patient and one attendant are now permitted to travel by economy-class air travel, subject to a maximum reimbursement of Rs.40,000.
3. Wage-loss compensation: The provision of wage-loss compensation of ₹1,000 per day for up to 20 days, which was earlier restricted to certain categories, has now been extended to all categories of patients referred under the scheme.
4. Stretcher charges: Stretcher charges, without any prescribed ceiling, will be arranged and paid by the Administration in advance. Consequently, patients will not be required to bear this expenditure from their own resources.
5. Airport/harbour transportation: Ambulance/cab charges from the airport or harbour, up to ₹3,000, will be reimbursed.
6. Air ambulance facility: In cases involving seriously ill patients requiring evacuation by air ambulance, the cost will be borne by the Administration. The process for finalising the arrangement through tie-ups with the concerned Government agencies is currently underway.
7. MRI facility: The proposal for installation of an MRI facility at GB Pant Hospital is at the final stage, and necessary steps have already been initiated.
8. Availability of medicines: Steps have also been taken to earmark Rs.30 Cr. to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines to patients through a proper and continuous supply chain, thereby avoiding hardship to patients who may otherwise be compelled to purchase medicines from private medical shops.
The MP once again expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for taking these important steps towards strengthening healthcare facilities and providing greater financial support and assistance to patients from the Islands.
He stated that these measures would provide significant relief to patients and their attendants, particularly those requiring referral treatment outside the Islands, and would go a long way in safeguarding the interests and welfare of the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
