Bhasker flags medical crisis in Andamans, seeks Chief Secretary’s action

SHRI VIJAYA PURAM, April 19: Senior politician TSG Bhasker, chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has called on Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar to address what he describes as a life-threatening healthcare crisis in the islands. In a detailed letter, Bhasker highlighted the urgent need for better medical infrastructure and financial support for emergency evacuations, which remain out of reach for many residents.

According to Bhasker, the cost of airlifting a critically ill patient on a stretcher to the mainland stands at around ₹3 lakh. When combined with the travel and medical expenses for accompanying attendants, the total climbs to approximately ₹4 lakh—an amount he says most islanders simply cannot afford. He warned that the lack of affordable emergency transport has already resulted in several preventable deaths.

He noted that the healthcare infrastructure in the union territory remains basic, with several key specialties still unavailable. G.B. Pant Hospital, the primary government hospital, does not have a neurologist or nephrologist—critical gaps, considering the rising incidence of neuro and kidney-related ailments in the islands. Bhasker urged the administration to expedite the recruitment of specialists to reduce dependence on mainland hospitals.

The Congress leader also pointed out that the hospital’s MRI machine has been non-functional for nearly a year. As a result, patients are being referred to INHS Dhanvantari, a naval hospital, where waiting times can stretch into months—delaying diagnosis and worsening outcomes.

Bhasker questioned the utilisation of the ₹370 crore healthcare budget allocated for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2023–24. He proposed that even 2% of this budget—roughly ₹7.5 crore—be earmarked for emergency airlifting and critical hospital upgrades. He added that a dedicated medical evacuation fund would provide essential support to families facing life-or-death situations.

Calling the situation a humanitarian emergency, Bhasker urged the Chief Secretary to intervene immediately. “Immediate steps are needed to ensure that no more lives are lost simply because they could not afford to be saved,” he wrote.

The letter adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for healthcare reform in the remote archipelago, where logistical challenges and limited resources continue to hamper access to timely medical care.