Port Blair, Dec. 2: The CPI (M) has demanded immediate posting of sufficient number of medical officers including Specialist doctors and Nursing Staff to Dr Rajendra Prasad District Hospital, Mayabunder. In a letter sent to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), A & N Administration, Shri D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee while referring to his recent visit to the said hospital during a tour to North Andaman, said that there is acute shortage of medical officers and Specialist doctors in the District Hospital.

He further demanded that services of Medical Specialist, ENT and Ophthalmologist, etc are urgently required in the hospital. Shri Ayyappan said that being a District Hospital, it is necessary that sufficient number of doctors including specialist doctors and staff including nursing staff are posted in the hospital. This hospital caters to the needs of thousands of people from Baratang to Diglipur.  CPI (M) Secretary noted that despite his administrative duty being the Head of Health Department in the North & Middle Andaman District, the Medical Superintendent is forced to attend the OPD patients due to shortage of doctors.  He further said that sufficient number of staff nurses is not available in the hospital and the existing nursing staffs are overburdened.