MP Requests Waiver of COVID Test Charge for Inter Island People

Port Blair, Oct. 29: The Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma has informed the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands that during his visit to North & Middle Andaman from 17th to 19th October 2020 and also during his 2 days visit to Car Nicobar on 26th & 27th October, the general public including students, patients, Sr. Citizens, tribal peoples among others have expressed that they are unable to pay Rs.500/-charges for Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) fixed by the Administration.

The fact remains that most of them are very poor and their families are already facing financial constrains at this time of crisis. The MP stated the factual position that due to non-availability of various facilities and services in the remote Inter Islands such as medical treatment, e-services, counselling for admission of higher studies, interviews, appointment with the HoDs and other domestic works, the Inter Island people including Tribals are compelled to visit Port Blair frequently being the HQ for A&N Islands, where such services and facilities are available as of now.