Vikramaditya, Rupa Lall & Trinath
Port Blair, Aug 13: In yet another sad development a tribal lady today suddenly collapsed in her residence and while shifting her to hospital, she died on the way. Deeply shocked relatives with lots of hopes, when brought the lady to PHC Long Island, they were deeply disappointed to learn that there is no doctor present at PHC Long Island.
This incident has once again pointed out that how vulnerable the residents of Long Island are towards any kind of accidents. Residents alleged that since last three months the visit of Doctor, posted in the Island, was very irregular and in his absence nurses give medicine to public.
The Pradhan of Long Island Mr. K Kama Raju told Andaman Sheekha that he had highlighted this issue infront of senior officers of Andaman and Nicobar Administration but still the PHC Long Island remain without any full time Doctor.
Long Island is having low population of nearly 1500 to 2000 people but they also have the right to live and lead a healthy life. In emergency people of Long Island have no other way to go for help as the ferry from Long Island to Yeretta, Rangat is operated only twice a day i.e 7.00 AM and 2.00 PM. “If some accident happens after 2.00 PM, who will look after us, who will treat us? The Doctor posted for Long Island should have been here today to atleast attend the case. If this incident would had happened with any senior officer they would have taken many disciplinary actions against dozens of staffs by now” alleged a resident of Long Island.
Meanwhile when Andaman Sheekha tried to contact the Director of Health Service to know more on this incident and get his comment but it was informed that the Director is unavailable for a comment.
When contacted the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman today accepted that this is a serious matter and assured Andaman Sheekha that after inquiry necessary steps will be taken. People of Long Island are now demanding for a full time Doctor for the Island so that they can live in the remote Islands fearlessly.
“Why can’t Administration appoint two doctors from CHC Rangat for PHC Long Island on one day shift basis? In that case one doctor can stay in the Island on alternate day basis. This will solve all problems,” suggested a PRI member of North and Middle Andaman.
