Port Blair, Oct. 20: The touring team of State Bharatiya Janata Party who are at present at New Delhi, met Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare at his office in New Delhi yesterday under instructions from Shri. Ajoy Bairagi, President, Bharatiya Janata Party, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Team had a fruitful discussion with the Minister on several Island related issues. They also submitted a letter written by Ajoy Bairagi, State President to the Minister for consideration.

The letter was regarding the resumption of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance (ANISHI). ANISHI scheme has been discontinued by the A&N Administration because of the nationwide Ayushman Bharat scheme launched by the Govt. of India.

The team explained to the Minister about the importance of ANISHI scheme for Andaman & Nicobar Islands and how it has helped several thousands in getting the best treatment in quality hospitals in Mainland India. The unique situation of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with regards to health was also explained to the Minister.

The Union Minister gave a patient hearing to the visiting State BJP Team and assured that he will look into the issues being faced by the residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands because of discontinuation of the ANISHI Scheme. He further assured that necessary action will be taken for the welfare of the residents of the far flung Island territory.

The team included Shri. M Vinod, State Vice President, Bharatiya Janata Party, Shri. Prakash Adhikari, State Vice President, and Shri. Uday Shankar Singh, State Media Convenor.