Little Andaman, March 23: The District Health Society (District Administration, South Andaman), under the aegis of the UT Health Mission (NHM), A&N Islands, successfully organized two Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Outreach Camps at Little Andaman on 21st and 22nd March, 2026 in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, and Pillar Health Centre. The camps were conducted under the guidance of Ms Purva Garg, IAS, Deputy Commissioner / Chairperson, District Health Society, South Andaman. They were held at PHC/AAM Hutbay on 21st March and PHC/AAM R.K. Pur on 22nd March by a team comprising the District Programme Manager, DHS-SA, a Paediatrician from ANIIMS, and a Gynaecologist from Pillar Health Centre.
In the camps, a total of 19 mothers were screened, of whom 16 pregnant women underwent ultrasonography (USG), including one pregnant woman from the Onge primitive tribe of Dugong Creek. Additionally, a total of 36 children, including children from the Onge tribe, were screened, while 10 other gynaecological cases were also attended. Alongside clinical services, the District Programme Manager, DHS-SA, conducted an orientation-cum-meeting with Pradhans and other members of the Jan Arogya Samities (JAS) of both PHCs and their Sub-Centres on NQAS and Kayakalp assessments, as well as the implementation of various health programmes such as JSY, JSSK, MAA, and other health schemes. Emphasis was laid on the effective utilization of funds under these schemes and JAS annual grants. Sub-Centres were also visited to assess and take stock of healthcare facilities at the community level.
During the outreach camps, a sick newborn at PHC Hutbay requiring advanced care was stabilized under the guidance of the visiting paediatrician and referred along with the mother in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services and Shipping Services. A specialized medical team also accompanied the mother and newborn via overnight sailing on the Nalanda vessel from Hutbay, and the newborn was admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at GB Pant Hospital today for further observation and management.
The successful conduct of the camps highlights the commitment of the District Health Society and associated stakeholders in ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services to remote and underserved areas of the district. In continuation of these efforts, the District Administration, South Andaman, has also planned to conduct a similar outreach camp at Swaraj Dweep by the last week of March 2026.