Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 February 2025
Two recent medical emergencies involving tourists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlight the critical role of swift medical intervention in saving lives and ensuring timely care.
In mid-January, an American tourist suffered a pelvic fracture following a road accident in Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island). The island’s medical team responded promptly, providing initial treatment before transferring the patient to Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair). At ANIIMS, an orthopedic team led by Dr. Vishnu ensured specialized care. The patient was later flown to New York on a stretcher for advanced medical treatment.
In another incident, a domestic tourist from Assam experienced a massive heart attack in Swaraj Dweep. The patient was immediately transferred to ANIIMS, where the cardiology team, headed by Dr. Srikanth, performed a life-saving angioplasty and implanted a temporary pacemaker. The patient was stabilized and subsequently shifted to Kolkata for further treatment.
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Andaman Chapter, extended its gratitude to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for their cooperation and support. Special thanks were directed toward Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Health), and Mr. Azhardduin Qazi, Director (Tourism), for their efforts. The association also lauded the medical teams led by Dr. Vishnu and Dr. Srikanth, along with the medical staff at Swaraj Dweep, for their dedication and timely care.
“These incidents underscore the importance of a robust medical infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists visiting the islands,” said Mr. Mohammed H. Jadwet, Chairman of IATO’s Andaman and Nicobar Chapter. (Story based on a PR by IATO, Andaman Chapter)