Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 7: Shri Bishnu Pada ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Andaman & Nicobar Islands has urged the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare to ensure early opening and operationalisation of a CGHS Wellness Centre/Dispensary in the Union Territory.
The MP pointed out that as per the Government of India’s decision issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in November 2023, a CGHS Wellness Centre was to be established in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, more than two years have passed and the facility is yet to become operational, causing hardship to thousands of beneficiaries.
Shri Ray recalled that he had already taken up the issue earlier and also raised a question in Lok Sabha. In its reply, the Ministry informed that setting up a new CGHS centre normally requires creation of posts, infrastructure and substantial recurring and non-recurring expenditure. The MP, however, emphasized that such norms are suitable for large States and UTs, not for a small and geographically unique UT like Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
He highlighted that the UT already has Government hospitals and district hospitals with qualified doctors and supporting staff working under the Health Department. Since the UT Administration functions directly under the Central Government, the existing health infrastructure and manpower can be utilised to operationalise a CGHS Wellness Centre without creating new posts or imposing any additional financial burden on the Ministry of Finance.
The MP cautioned that insisting on lengthy procedures meant for larger States would lead to unnecessary delays and avoidable expenditure, while beneficiaries continue to suffer. He stressed that over 50,000 pensioners of the UT Administration including their dependent family members are facing serious difficulties in accessing proper healthcare facilities, especially in remote islands.
Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has requested the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in consultation with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, to immediately notify and operationalise a CGHS Wellness Centre by designating existing medical officers and staff and using available infrastructure. This would allow prompt registration under CGHS, issuance of CGHS cards and extension of medical facilities to eligible beneficiaries.
The MP has sought urgent intervention of the Union Government for early and favourable action in the interest of pensioners and residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.