Sri Vijaya Puram, June 3: Efforts to address specialist healthcare gaps and reduce pressure on referral medical facilities have received a boost in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the Directorate of Health Services initiating the recruitment of specialist doctors and strengthening key hospitals across the Union Territory.
The Directorate of Health Services has moved to expand specialist medical services by filling 32 specialist positions across multiple disciplines on a contractual basis for one year. The recruitment exercise forms part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare accessibility and enhance the availability of specialised treatment across the Islands.
According to official information, applications were invited through public notices published in newspapers and uploaded on the official websites of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Directorate of Health Services. The recruitment drive attracted substantial interest, with 120 eligible applications received from candidates across various medical specialities.
Of the total applicants, 85 candidates appeared for online interviews conducted as part of the selection process. Based on recommendations made by the Screening Committee, appointment offers were issued to 32 candidates. Among them, 23 specialists have accepted the offers, while 11 have already joined their respective duties.
Health authorities stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening specialist healthcare services not only at G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram but also at other healthcare institutions across the Islands. The administration has simultaneously undertaken measures to improve medical services at District Hospital, Garacharma, Dr. R.P. Hospital in North and Middle Andaman, and BJR Hospital in Car Nicobar.
Officials expect the deployment of specialists at multiple healthcare facilities to ease patient congestion at G.B. Pant Hospital, which functions as the principal referral hospital for the Union Territory. The move is also intended to bring specialised medical care closer to residents living in distant islands and remote areas.
As part of healthcare infrastructure enhancement efforts, an Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) has been established and made fully operational at District Hospital, Garacharma. The facility is expected to significantly improve diagnostic capabilities and laboratory services available to the public.
Specialists from disciplines including Surgery, General Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Microbiology, Pathology, Gynaecology and Paediatrics are being deployed to strengthen patient care services at District Hospital, Garacharma and other healthcare facilities.
Health officials stated that a total of 27 specialists, including regular and contractual appointees, are currently providing specialised healthcare services across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The expanded workforce is expected to improve access to specialist consultations, treatment and diagnostic services for residents.
The Directorate of Health Services said the ongoing recruitment and infrastructure development initiatives reflect its commitment to strengthening the public healthcare system and ensuring the delivery of quality medical services throughout the Islands.
