Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 20: A dedicated four-bed Jarawa Ward has been opened at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Tugapur in North and Middle Andaman, marking a move to strengthen access to healthcare services for the Jarawa community and provide a designated facility for their medical needs.
The ward was inaugurated by Sushant Padha, Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman, in the presence of Sibananda Bairagi, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Pahalgaon, Johnson Kerketta, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Chainpur, and heads of various departments.
The new facility has been established by the Directorate of Health Services at PHC Tugapur. Its opening is intended to strengthen the local healthcare system and support more equitable access to medical services for members of the Jarawa community.
Beyond providing a dedicated ward, the facility is expected to serve as a focal point for community outreach and preventive healthcare initiatives. It will also support health education tailored to the cultural and healthcare needs of the Jarawa people.
During the inauguration, Padha appreciated the work of the PHC Tugapur staff and heard concerns relating to the Jarawa tribe residing at Louis Inlet Bay.
The interaction also brought attention to healthcare concerns affecting the community, while the newly opened ward is expected to provide a dedicated setting for healthcare-related interventions and outreach.
The Pradhans of Pahalgaon and Chainpur also commended the doctors and other staff members of PHC Tugapur for the healthcare services provided to the community.
The establishment of the four-bed ward adds a dedicated healthcare facility for the Jarawa community within the existing PHC at Tugapur. Alongside medical services, its proposed role in preventive care, outreach and culturally appropriate health education places the facility within a broader approach to community healthcare.
The initiative comes with the stated objective of ensuring equitable access to medical services for the Jarawa people. The facility is also expected to support engagement with the community through outreach activities and preventive-care measures.
The inauguration brought together health officials, local elected representatives and departmental heads, with the PHC Tugapur staff receiving appreciation for their role in providing healthcare services to the community.
The new ward will therefore function not only as a four-bed dedicated facility but also as a focal point for community-oriented healthcare activities, including preventive-care initiatives and health education suited to the needs of the Jarawa people.
