Raising serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of essential medicines, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has called on the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to ensure uninterrupted availability of drugs in all government hospitals across the Islands, including G.B. Pant Hospital.
Ray highlighted that repeated complaints have reached him regarding the non-availability of medicines prescribed by specialists and treating doctors, primarily due to insufficient stock in hospital pharmacies. This shortage forces patients, particularly from economically weaker sections, to purchase medicines from private pharmacies, causing financial strain.
“The situation is alarming and unacceptable,” Ray said, emphasizing that under no circumstances should essential medicines run out. He urged the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, to implement strict monitoring mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of such distressing situations.
The gravity of the issue was also brought up during the District Planning Committee (DPC) meeting held at Car Nicobar on September 30, 2025, where Tribal Captains flagged concerns over the impact on the welfare of the tribal community and other residents of remote islands. While South Andaman District has some private medical shops, the Nicobar Group of Islands faces a critical situation due to the near absence of private pharmacies. Patients there are often unable to access even life-saving medicines, leading to health deterioration and undermining the objectives of free government medical care.
In addition to health concerns, Ray also reviewed public transportation services in North and Middle Andaman. Accompanied by Bishnu Pada Mondal, Panchayat Samiti Member (Urmilapur Constituency), and Yaghambaram, Pradhan of Calicut, the MP met the Director of the State Transport Service (STS) to discuss plans for enhancing bus services.
The Director informed that seven new buses will be added to the STS fleet by January 2026, with allocations as follows: two buses each for Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur, and one bus for Baratang. To address the manpower shortage in operating bus services, the STS is engaging 73 drivers and 96 bus conductors through GeM, ensuring wages in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act. Additionally, 18 appointments on compassionate grounds have been made for eligible candidates, a step not taken in the past 20 years.
The Pradhan of Calicut also requested a new bus route to improve connectivity. The Director assured that arrangements would be considered after reviewing existing STS routes in the area.
Acknowledging the proactive measures and swift response by the STS Department, Ray appreciated the administration’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and ensuring reliable public transport services across the Islands.
Through these measures, the MP stressed that enhancing healthcare access and public transportation are critical to safeguarding the welfare of residents, particularly in remote and tribal regions of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
