Port Blair: Concerned over the absence of specialist cardiac care in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman G. Bhasker has urged the A&N Administration to immediately appoint a qualified Cardiologist at G.B. Pant Hospital, warning that the existing vacuum in cardiac services could have serious consequences for patients suffering from life-threatening heart ailments. In a representation to the Chief Secretary, Bhasker highlighted that the Islands have been left without a senior cardiac specialist following the departure of Dr. Srikant, who had been serving as the Cardiologist at G.B. Pant Hospital. The hospital, being the premier referral healthcare institution in the Islands, caters to patients from all districts and serves as the last line of medical support for critical cases.
Bhasker noted that the absence of a Cardiologist has created a major gap in healthcare delivery, particularly for patients suffering from heart attacks, cardiac arrests and other serious cardiovascular conditions that require immediate specialist intervention. While critically ill patients are often referred to hospitals on the mainland, he pointed out that the geographical isolation of the Islands and the time involved in medical evacuation frequently reduce the chances of timely treatment during emergencies.
Stressing that cardiac ailments are on the rise in the Islands, Bhasker said the need for specialist cardiac care has never been greater. He expressed concern that patients are being deprived of prompt diagnosis and treatment due to the lack of a dedicated Cardiologist at the Islands’ premier government hospital.
Referring to the reported death of 53-year-old Sumitra Das of Ferrargunj while undergoing treatment in the ICU of G.B. Pant Hospital on June 16, Bhasker said the incident has further heightened public anxiety about the availability of advanced cardiac care facilities in the Islands.
Describing the situation as alarming, Bhasker called upon the Administration to treat the matter on priority and ensure the immediate appointment of a Cardiologist at G.B. Pant Hospital. He also urged the strengthening of cardiac care infrastructure so that patients can receive timely treatment within the Islands and avoid preventable loss of life.
