Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): The Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) has flagged a series of gaps in the Islands’ healthcare system and urged the Lt Governor to undertake structural and infrastructure reforms to improve patient care. In a memorandum to Lt Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma, ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman G. Bhasker said the lack of coordination between ANIIMS and the Directorate of Health Services was hampering healthcare delivery. He suggested shifting the DHS to a fully functional Garacharma District Hospital, with routine treatment handled there and specialised services such as neurology, nephrology and orthopaedics concentrated at G.B. Pant Hospital under ANIIMS.
Bhasker called for a dedicated surgical block with at least 10 operation theatres, trauma-care and ICU facilities, along with permanent paramedical and technical staff. He said the existing limited OT capacity was resulting in prolonged waiting periods and pushing patients towards costly private treatment.
He also sought permanent appointments for doctors, paramedics and technical staff, contending that contractual appointments and relatively low salaries were affecting recruitment and retention of specialists.
On procurement, Bhasker alleged that poor-quality medicines, surgical equipment and orthopaedic implants procured through GeM were causing difficulties for patients and doctors. He urged the Administration to consider an alternative procurement mechanism involving reputed medical suppliers.
The memorandum also sought immediate clearance of pending dues to local medicine suppliers, which, he said, was affecting the availability of medicines and essential medical supplies. Bhasker further proposed establishing an AIIMS-like institution in the Islands, besides improving facilities under Ayushman Bharat, including higher coverage for prolonged illnesses, advance assistance for air travel and stretcher evacuation.
He particularly highlighted the absence of MRI, PET scan and radiation facilities at G.B. Pant Hospital, urging immediate intervention to reduce patients’ dependence on private facilities and mainland treatment.
“Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services” in the Islands, he said, would substantially benefit the people and reduce the burden on patients requiring costly treatment outside the UT.
