Sri Vijaya Puram, March 30: The Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) was formally inaugurated today at District Hospital Garacharma, Sri Vijaya Puram, in a ceremony attended by senior health officials and distinguished guests. Ms. Vandana Rao, IAS, Secretary (Health)/ Mission Director, UTHM, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Dr. H.M. Siddaraju, Director of Health Services attended as the guest of honour.
The establishment of the IPHL represents a critical milestone in the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s mission to provide advanced, decentralized healthcare, bringing infectious disease diagnostics, haematology, clinical biochemistry, and microbiology under one roof to streamline patient care.
Following the inaugural ceremony, Ms. Vandana Rao visited the newly established IPHL facility, including various laboratories and the immunization room. During the visit, Dr. Avijit Roy, NO, PM ABHIM, DHS and Dr. Shahina M, Microbiologist, GB Pant Hospital, Sri Vijaya Puram provided a detailed briefing on the range of medical diagnostic tests that will be conducted at the laboratory, highlighting its role in strengthening public health services in the region.
The A&N Administration remains dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps through infrastructure development and efficient service delivery. This initiative, supported under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), ensures that the islands are better prepared for future health challenges.