Diglipur, Sept. 11: With patients often forced to travel 350 km to Sri Vijaypuram for treatment, the elected Public Representatives of Diglipur have appealed to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to strengthen local healthcare facilities urgently.
In his Letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Pradhan R.K. Gram, Shri Shyamal Bhowmick, highlighted that the single Community Health Centre (CHC) at Rama Krishna Gram serves over 55,000 residents across 15 Gram Panchayats, handling nearly 400 patients daily. Yet, shortages of staff, including a gynaecologist, a general surgeon, eight nurses, eight safai karamcharis, five ward boys, five ayahs, and three pharmacists, are leaving critically ill patients without timely care.
“Patients frequently arrive in life-threatening conditions and must be airlifted or transported by ship because NH-4 is in poor condition,” Shri Bhowmick said.
The Panchayat also raised concerns over the unused Sub-District Hospital building, a non-functional oxygen plant, and a diesel generator set that has been out of service for months. These gaps, they argue, severely limit emergency response and patient care. The Pradhan has urged the Administration to operationalize the new hospital building, repair vital equipment, and fill all vacant posts, ensuring Diglipur residents have access to safe and timely medical services.