Two Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) outreach camps conducted in Little Andaman on March 21 and 22 screened mothers and children, delivered clinical services, and facilitated the referral of a critically ill newborn for advanced treatment.
The camps were organised by the District Health Society, South Andaman, under the UT Health Mission (NHM), in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), and Pillar Health Centre. The initiative was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Health Society, South Andaman, Purva Garg.
Medical teams conducted the camps at PHC/AAM Hutbay on March 21 and PHC/AAM R.K. Pur on March 22. The team included the District Programme Manager, a paediatrician from ANIIMS, and a gynaecologist from Pillar Health Centre.
During the camps, 19 mothers were screened, including 16 pregnant women who underwent ultrasonography (USG). Among them was a pregnant woman from the Onge primitive tribe of Dugong Creek. In addition, 36 children were examined, including children from the Onge community, and 10 other gynaecological cases were attended.
Alongside clinical services, an orientation-cum-meeting was held with Pradhans and members of the Jan Arogya Samities (JAS) associated with the two primary health centres and their sub-centres. The session focused on National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), Kayakalp assessments, and the implementation of health programmes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), and Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA). Officials emphasised effective utilisation of funds under these schemes and annual JAS grants.
Sub-centres in the area were also visited to assess the status of healthcare facilities at the community level and review service delivery mechanisms in remote locations.
During the outreach, a sick newborn at PHC Hutbay requiring advanced care was stabilised under the supervision of the visiting paediatrician. The infant was then referred along with the mother in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services and Shipping Services. A specialised medical team accompanied them during overnight travel aboard the Nalanda vessel from Hutbay.
The newborn was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at GB Pant Hospital for further observation and treatment.
Officials stated that the camps were part of ongoing efforts to extend healthcare access to remote and underserved regions of the district. The outreach also aimed to strengthen maternal and child health services through direct intervention and monitoring.
In continuation of these efforts, the District Administration, South Andaman, has planned to conduct a similar outreach camp at Swaraj Dweep by the last week of March 2026.
