Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 31 July 2024
Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, virtually inaugurated the District Integrated Public Health Laboratory (DIPHL) at BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar. The event was attended by Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), senior officers of the administration, and tribal leaders from Car Nicobar.
The state-of-the-art laboratory, established under the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), was fully funded by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It aims to provide diagnostic facilities for surveillance of epidemic-prone diseases and routine therapeutic investigations under one roof, decentralising healthcare services in the region.
In his address, Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra lauded the health team’s efforts in setting up the advanced laboratory in the remote tribal territory. He emphasised the facility’s role in enhancing healthcare services, particularly in ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment for the Nicobar populace.
Dr. Anwar Moosa, Medical Superintendent of BJR Hospital, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Directorate of Health Services and the tribal community of Car Nicobar. He highlighted the lab’s potential benefits for the local population, particularly in addressing health disparities.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, Special Secretary (Health) and Mission Director (NHM), announced that the administration plans to establish similar laboratories at Dr. R.P. Hospital Mayabunder, expected to be operational in August 2024, and at the upcoming District Hospital Garacharama. The latter will function as a State Reference Laboratory, with the other two acting as satellite labs.
The initiative aligns with the mandate under PM-ABHIM to establish three District Integrated Public Health Laboratories in the Union Territory by March 2025, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure in the region.