A new Health Sub-Centre has been inaugurated at Shanti Nagar in Diglipur, marking a step forward in improving access to healthcare facilities for rural communities. The centre was opened in the presence of officials from the local administration, healthcare representatives, and residents, who gathered to witness the launch of a facility expected to play a critical role in strengthening medical services in the region.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has been focusing on expanding healthcare infrastructure to ensure that essential medical services reach even the most remote households. The establishment of the Shanti Nagar Health Sub-Centre aligns with this mission, creating a hub for both treatment and preventive healthcare. Located in proximity to several villages, the facility reduces the need for long-distance travel by patients seeking medical attention.
Health Sub-Centres form a critical tier in India’s primary healthcare system. They are designed to deliver services at the grassroots level, particularly in underserved and rural areas. The Shanti Nagar centre is equipped to provide maternal and child healthcare, routine immunizations, basic medical treatment, and health education. By addressing these fundamental needs, the centre aims to prevent avoidable health complications and encourage early interventions.
For residents of Shanti Nagar and surrounding villages, the presence of this facility is expected to save both time and money previously spent on traveling to larger hospitals. The centre will serve as a first point of contact for medical issues, offering consultations, treatments, and referrals where necessary. In addition, the preventive focus includes health awareness campaigns, which are crucial in promoting long-term wellness within the community.
The timing of the centre’s inauguration is significant as it follows recent improvements in connectivity, including the introduction of the inaugural STS bus service to Shanti Nagar in July. With both transport and healthcare facilities being made available, the region is witnessing an improvement in accessibility for essential services.
Local governance bodies, including the Panchayat Samiti of Diglipur and the Gram Panchayat Gandhinagar, have emphasized that the centre will bring tangible benefits for households in the area. Community representatives highlighted that the new medical facility is expected to encourage routine health check-ups, improve maternal and child health indicators, and promote preventive practices such as immunizations.
The role of community cooperation in such initiatives cannot be overlooked. Health projects in rural areas require both infrastructure and community participation for long-term success. Local residents’ active involvement in supporting the Sub-Centre, from construction to operational phases, has been acknowledged as an important factor in its completion.
Healthcare delivery in islands such as Andaman and Nicobar faces unique challenges due to geographical isolation and transportation constraints. For the population in Diglipur, these challenges have often meant delays in accessing timely medical attention. Facilities like the Shanti Nagar Sub-Centre are crucial in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that medical services are available within walking distance for many families.
The introduction of the new centre also reflects the broader national vision of strengthening rural healthcare networks. Across the country, Sub-Centres play a frontline role in executing national health programmes, from vaccination drives to maternal health schemes. Shanti Nagar now joins the expanding list of rural areas being brought under this strengthened network.
The community’s response to the facility has been positive, with residents viewing it as a long-awaited development. The expectation is that the Sub-Centre will become an anchor for health-related activities in the region, supported by regular medical staff visits and continuous improvements in services. As it begins operations, the centre represents not just an additional healthcare point but also a foundation for fostering healthier living in Shanti Nagar and nearby villages.
