Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 24: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee-ANTCC, has expressed serious concern over the reported non-availability of essential surgical equipment, medicines and medical supplies at G.B. Pant Hospital and has urged the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to initiate an immediate enquiry and take corrective measures to address the growing healthcare crisis in the Islands.
In a letter to the Lieutenant Governor, Bhasker highlighted the plight of patients who are reportedly being asked to purchase essential items such as gloves, injections, orthopedic implants and other surgical supplies from private pharmacies before undergoing surgery. He said that poor patients, particularly those arriving from remote islands, are facing enormous financial and emotional hardship, with emergency surgeries reportedly delayed until families arrange the required materials.
Bhasker questioned why essential medical items remain unavailable despite procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) system and demanded a thorough enquiry into procurement, supply management and the quality of medical materials. He also called for an investigation into reports of patients being directed to particular private pharmacies and suppliers. Referring to concerns over alleged substandard medical supplies, he urged the Administration to verify reports of repeat surgeries among hernia patients following suspected infections.
He further highlighted the inadequacy of existing Operation Theatre facilities and demanded a modern, well-equipped OT complex with proper hygiene and infection-control standards. He also expressed concern over the lack of specialist doctors in cardiology, neurology and nephrology, forcing patients to seek treatment on the mainland, where airlifting a stretcher patient may cost ₹4–5 lakh.
Bhasker also raised concerns over the shortage of qualified gynecologists in CHCs and district hospitals in North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts, resulting in critical maternity cases being referred to G.B. Pant Hospital at a late stage.
Urging immediate intervention, Bhasker demanded a comprehensive enquiry, a department-wise inventory of essential medical supplies, improved specialist services and urgent modernization of hospital infrastructure.
“No patient should lose his or her life because of the non-availability of doctors, essential surgical equipment or basic medical supplies. The Administration must act immediately to ensure that every patient receives timely and proper medical care,” he stated.
