Sri Vijaya Puram, June 18: Concerns over inadequate access to advanced diagnostic services and specialist cardiac care in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have prompted a renewed demand for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, with ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman G. Bhasker urging the A&N Administration to establish MRI facilities in all district hospitals and immediately appoint a qualified Cardiologist at G.B. Pant Hospital.
In separate representations addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Bhasker highlighted what he described as critical gaps in healthcare services affecting residents across the Union Territory. He stressed that the absence of MRI facilities in district hospitals and the lack of a specialist cardiologist at the Islands’ principal referral hospital are creating significant challenges for patients requiring timely diagnosis and treatment.
Bhasker stated that residents of South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman, and Nicobar districts continue to face considerable hardship due to the non-availability of MRI services at the district level. He noted that MRI investigations are essential for diagnosing neurological disorders, spinal injuries, cancers, strokes, trauma cases, orthopaedic conditions and several other serious illnesses.
According to the representation, patients from remote islands and rural areas are frequently compelled to travel to Sri Vijaya Puram or mainland India to undergo MRI examinations. He said such journeys impose physical, emotional and financial burdens on patients and their families, particularly elderly persons, critically ill patients, accident victims, pregnant women and economically weaker households.
Bhasker pointed out that delays in accessing MRI investigations can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially affecting patient outcomes. He also noted that patients and attendants often incur substantial expenses on transportation, accommodation and other associated costs. The situation becomes more difficult during adverse weather conditions when disruptions in sea and air connectivity affect access to medical services.
He urged the Administration to sanction, procure and install MRI facilities in district hospitals across the Islands while ensuring comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contracts for uninterrupted operation and timely servicing of the equipment. He also called for the deployment of qualified MRI technicians, radiographers, radiologists, biomedical engineers and other trained personnel to ensure efficient functioning of the facilities.
In a separate appeal, Bhasker expressed concern over the absence of a Cardiologist at G.B. Pant Hospital following the departure of Dr. Srikant. He said the hospital, which serves as the primary referral centre for the Islands, is currently without a senior specialist to attend to patients suffering from heart ailments, heart attacks, cardiac arrests and other serious cardiac emergencies.
He stated that referrals to mainland hospitals are often required for advanced cardiac treatment. However, given the geographical isolation of the Islands and the time involved in medical evacuation, such referrals may not always provide timely intervention during emergencies.
Bhasker also noted an increase in heart-related ailments in the Islands and said the availability of specialist cardiac care has become an urgent requirement. Referring to the reported death of Sumitra Das, 53, of Ferrargunj, who passed away in the ICU of G.B. Pant Hospital on June 16 while undergoing treatment, he said the incident has intensified public concern regarding access to specialised cardiac care.
Describing the situation as serious, Bhasker urged the Administration to take immediate steps to appoint a Cardiologist at G.B. Pant Hospital and strengthen cardiac care services, while also advancing plans to establish MRI facilities across all districts to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes throughout the Islands.
