Port Blair(Sri Vijaya Puram): Allegations of patients being asked to purchase essential surgical materials from private pharmacies have prompted ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman G. Bhasker to seek an immediate enquiry into the availability and supply management of medicines and medical equipment at G.B. Pant Hospital.
In a letter to the Lieutenant Governor, Bhasker alleged that patients are sometimes asked to arrange gloves, injections, orthopaedic implants and other surgical supplies from outside pharmacies before procedures. He said this could impose a heavy financial burden on economically weaker families and patients arriving from remote islands, with some emergency procedures allegedly delayed until supplies are arranged.
Questioning the reported shortages despite procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Bhasker sought an audit of procurement, inventory and distribution systems. He also urged an enquiry into allegations of patients being directed to particular private pharmacies or suppliers and sought verification of reports concerning the quality of medical materials and repeat hernia surgeries allegedly linked to suspected infections.
Bhasker also called for a modern, adequately equipped Operation Theatre complex with proper sterilisation and infection-control facilities.
He further flagged reported shortages of specialists in cardiology, neurology and nephrology, resulting in mainland referrals and substantial expenses for families. He claimed that transporting a stretcher-bound patient to the mainland can cost around ₹4–5 lakh.
Shortages of qualified gynaecologists at CHCs and district hospitals in North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar were also highlighted, with Bhasker expressing concern over referrals of critical maternity cases to G.B. Pant Hospital. He sought a department-wise inventory of essential medicines and surgical supplies, a procurement audit, stronger specialist services and expedited hospital modernisation.
“No patient should lose his or her life because of the non-availability of doctors, essential surgical equipment or basic medical supplies,” Bhasker said.
