Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 27: Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma has directed the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to take time-bound measures to improve medical facilities at G.B. Pant Hospital, Sri Vijaya Puram, with emphasis on essential medicines, diagnostic services, equipment, doctors and patient amenities.
During his inspection of the hospital, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed facilities across several departments and interacted with patients in the OPD and special wards to understand the difficulties being faced by them. He also held discussions with doctors and hospital officials on the restoration and strengthening of basic medical services.
A key concern raised during the inspection was the availability of medicines. Dr. Sharma inspected the pharmacy counter and directed officials to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines so that patients are not compelled to purchase commonly required drugs from private pharmacies. He also called for the Public Medicine Center to be reactivated at the earliest and made functional on a regular basis to provide affordable essential medicines to patients.
The Lieutenant Governor also inspected the pathology laboratory and reviewed the equipment, testing facilities and procedures currently available. Officials were directed to prepare and expedite proposals for laboratory machines that are not presently available at the hospital, with the objective of expanding diagnostic services within the hospital itself.
The non-functional MRI machine was also reviewed, with instructions to undertake necessary repairs at the earliest and restore the facility. The move is aimed at reducing the need for patients to travel outside the islands for essential diagnostic investigations.
Dr. Sharma further directed officials to strengthen cancer and cardiology-related services and ensure their smooth functioning. During his visit to the eye, orthopaedic, surgery, medicine and paediatric departments, he interacted with patients and sought feedback on treatment facilities and the challenges they face.
The availability and condition of hospital equipment also came under review. Officials were instructed to repair defective ventilators and ensure that medical equipment is made available through a transparent and time-bound process.
Shortages and stability in the medical workforce were another focus of the discussions. Dr. Sharma called for an increase in the number of junior doctors at G.B. Pant Hospital and directed officials to examine measures to improve the availability of doctors. Proposals are also to be sent to the appropriate Central Government institutions for greater stability in doctors’ tenure and for increasing MBBS and postgraduate seats at ANIIMS.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Jarawa Ward on the hospital premises and met patients from the Jarawa tribal community undergoing treatment. He enquired about their well-being and the medical facilities being provided to them, while directing officials to remain sensitive and responsive to their specific needs.
Patient and attendant facilities were also reviewed. Dr. Sharma directed officials to prepare proposals for establishing a patient-attendant residence within the hospital premises to support families accompanying patients. He also called for improved facilities in waiting areas, including adequate seating, fans and drinking water.
The inspection was accompanied by discussions with senior officials and doctors, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Shinde, Secretary Vandana Rao, District Deputy Commissioner Pallavi Sarkar, Joint Secretary Nilesh, Director Healthcare Dr. Siddha Raju, Director ANIIMS Dr. Mukesh Tripathi and senior medical officers.
The directions come amid a broader push to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the islands and reduce the dependence of patients on facilities outside the Union Territory.
Earlier, on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026, Dr. Sharma also participated in a blood donation camp organised by the Tourism Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in cooperation with the Andaman Association of Tourists.
Describing voluntary blood donation as a means of serving humanity, the Lieutenant Governor thanked donors, medical teams, volunteers and organisers. He emphasised the connection between responsible tourism, public service and humanitarian responsibility.
The two engagements highlighted the Administration’s focus on strengthening public services while encouraging community participation in social causes.
