MP Bishnu Pada Ray Urges Union Health Minister to Strengthen Healthcare Facilities Across Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Member of Parliament from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has urged Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda to strengthen healthcare facilities at the Sub-District Hospital, Diglipur, and undertake a comprehensive review of medical infrastructure across the Islands.

In a letter addressed to the Union Health Minister, the MP sought urgent measures to improve healthcare services at the Diglipur hospital and requested a detailed assessment of all District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health & Wellness Centres across the Union Territory.

According to the representation, the Sub-District Hospital at Diglipur was established by upgrading the Community Health Centre following an announcement made by the Prime Minister during his visit to Sri Vijaya Puram on 30 December 2018. The MP stated that although the hospital was upgraded to cater to the growing healthcare needs of North Andaman, several essential facilities remain unavailable.

The representation states that the hospital is facing shortages of specialist doctors, general physicians, radiologists, healthcare professionals, medicines, laboratory equipment, diagnostic facilities and sanitation staff. According to the MP, these deficiencies compel patients from Diglipur and neighbouring areas to travel to G.B. Pant Hospital, Sri Vijaya Puram, even for routine specialist consultations and diagnostic services, resulting in financial hardship for patients while increasing pressure on the referral hospital.

Bishnu Pada Ray further stated that similar shortages of doctors, medical staff, medicines and diagnostic facilities also exist in the District Hospitals at Mayabunder and Car Nicobar, as well as in several Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and Health & Wellness Centres across the Islands. He said these shortcomings have persisted for a considerable period and require immediate attention.

The MP requested the Union Health Minister to personally intervene and direct a comprehensive review of healthcare infrastructure across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He urged the Ministry to fill vacant medical and paramedical posts, strengthen diagnostic and treatment facilities, ensure the regular availability of essential medicines, provide adequate laboratory equipment and supporting staff, and improve healthcare infrastructure to make quality medical services more accessible across the Islands.

Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Union Home Minister, the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, requesting their intervention for the early resolution of healthcare issues affecting island residents.