Sri Vijaya Puram, March 27: Shri TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to provide free transportation facilities to patients from inter-island regions who are referred for treatment to Port Blair and mainland hospitals.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, Shri. Bhasker highlighted the severe hardships faced by patients from remote islands due to inadequate healthcare facilities in their respective regions. He pointed out that patients referred to Port Blair are currently required to bear the cost of helicopter and boat tickets, which places an additional financial burden on already distressed families.
He further noted that in several cases, patients are subsequently referred from Port Blair to mainland hospitals owing to the lack of advanced medical infrastructure even in the capital city. “Since referrals to Port Blair and mainland hospitals arise due to the absence of adequate healthcare facilities in Inter-Islands and Port Blair, it is the responsibility of the Administration to provide free travel support for one patient and one attendant,” Shri. Bhasker stated.
Raising another humanitarian concern, Shri. Bhasker emphasized the financial strain faced by families in transporting the mortal remains of deceased patients back to their native islands. He said that at present, significant charges are levied for transporting mortal remains via mortuary vans or helicopter services.
“Considering the emotional and financial distress of bereaved families, the Administration should bear the full cost of transporting mortal remains, especially since such situations arise due to the lack of adequate medical facilities in inter-island areas,” he urged.
Calling for immediate intervention, Shri. Bhasker requested the Administration to prioritize these issues and take necessary steps to provide relief to the affected citizens of the islands.