Concern over the acute shortage of specialist doctors in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been raised with the administration, with the issue being described as a serious public health challenge that requires immediate intervention.
TSG Bhasker, chairman of the Campaign Committee of the ANTCC, has submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, urging urgent steps to address what he termed an alarming gap in the availability of specialist medical care in the islands.
In his representation, Bhasker highlighted that the non-availability of specialists in critical medical disciplines is causing severe hardship to patients, particularly those belonging to below poverty line and lower-income groups. He pointed out that in the absence of specialised treatment facilities locally, many patients are forced to travel to mainland hospitals for care, a situation that often proves financially and physically burdensome.
He further flagged the grave consequences of delayed access to specialised treatment, noting that several patients who are referred to mainland hospitals do not survive. The issue, he said, is not confined to economically weaker sections alone, as even individuals with adequate financial resources are unable to save their lives due to the lack of timely specialist intervention within the islands.
Emphasising the need for immediate appointments, Bhasker underscored the importance of having a neurologist and a pulmonologist available locally. He stated that the presence of these specialists is crucial during the initial hours when patients suffer strokes, respiratory failure or other life-threatening medical emergencies. Timely specialist care during this critical window, he noted, could help prevent a significant number of avoidable deaths each month.
The representation also drew attention to the increasing incidence of nephrological ailments in the islands, particularly cases related to kidney failure. Bhasker stressed that the absence of a qualified nephrologist is compounding the problem and called for urgent steps to ensure specialised care for patients suffering from renal disorders.
Apart from manpower shortages, infrastructure constraints were also flagged as a major concern. Bhasker stated that the existing operation theatre facilities are not up to required standards and called for the establishment of an additional operation theatre equipped with modern medical equipment and updated machinery to meet the growing healthcare demands of the population.
Terming the situation a matter of serious public health importance, Bhasker urged the administration to accord the issue top priority and take immediate corrective measures in the larger interest of the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The representation comes amid continuing public and political concern over healthcare capacity in the islands, where geographical isolation often makes access to advanced medical care both difficult and time sensitive.
