Tribals Register their Protest as to Why the Suspect was Admitted in Civil Hospital

Kamorta, Aug. 5: A defence personnel from INS Kardip was admitted in the Community Health Centre at Kamorta Island on 1st of August 2020. As his condition deteriorated, INS Kardip shifted the patients to Port Blair on the third day to INHS Dhanvantri, where he was tested Corona Positive.

Sources inform that the Defence Personnel was on patrolling duty on a Naval Ship, when he developed Pneumonia like symptoms. He was immediately grounded and taken to the CHC.

After the patient tested positive for Corona, INS Kardip has quarantined the Medical Officer and others who were in touch with the patients. It is also gathered that the Daily Rated Mazdoors at Kardip have also been asked to stop from coming to duty.

The issue has now created unrest among the tribal population of Nancowry group of Islands, who are now worried about the spread of infection.

Speaking to Andaman Chronicle, Ayesha Majid, Chairperson, Tribal Council Nancowry said, “Its really annoying that defence people did not admit him to the Kardip Hospital. Instead they preferred the Community Health Centre for two days, where the tribals visit for regular check-up. This is injustice”, she said.

Meanwhile, the First Captain of Kamorta, Aslam Majid said, “Many tribals come to the CHC for regular check-up. Having seen the symptoms, the defence should not have brought him to the local hospital. They should have isolated him inside their own campus to avoid infecting the tribals and the locals. The main role was played by the District Administration along with the Defence, which cannot be justified”, he added.

With the surge in the number of corona positive cases in the South Andaman district, which has spread even to the North Andaman, the tribals of Nicobar have been demanding a proper screening of any and every person who is entering the tribal reserve. The matter of admitting a defence personnel in a civil hospital in spite of having facilities with the defence has now become a concern.