Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 June 2025
Angshuman Roy, the State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the launch of a centrally-funded air ambulance service for the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In his letter, Roy has emphasized the urgent need for a scheme like Madhya Pradesh’s PM Shri Air Ambulance Seva to be implemented in the Union Territory, where residents regularly face life-threatening situations due to the lack of advanced medical infrastructure.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lack many advanced medical facilities, and due to this gap, patients—especially in critical condition—are often forced to travel to mainland cities such as Chennai or Kolkata to receive proper medical care. For those unable to sit upright due to their condition, the only option is stretcher-based transport, which is not only expensive but also logistically complicated.
At present, the cost of transporting a stretcher patient from the islands to the mainland is prohibitively high, often amounting to several lakhs of rupees for just one-way travel. The burden falls heavily on families already distressed by a medical crisis. In addition to the cost, the airlines have their own set of protocols, including the requirement of advance booking for stretcher patients. Even after such arrangements are made, the actual travel depends on whether the airline permits the patient to board, causing further uncertainty and anxiety.
Time is critical in medical emergencies, and any delay in transport can cost lives. The current system, where commercial airlines control the schedule and patient approval, has resulted in tragic outcomes when patients were unable to fly in time. Angshuman Roy, in his appeal, has pointed out that this situation makes it absolutely necessary for the Central Government to step in and offer a reliable, timely, and free air ambulance service specifically for evacuation of critical patients from the islands to the mainland.
Roy cited the example of Madhya Pradesh’s PM Shri Air Ambulance Seva, launched on 29 May 2024 by Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Yadav, under which people receive free Air Ambulance Services for transportation during emergencies. He requested that a similar model be adopted for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, tailored to their unique geographical challenges. He has proposed a budget allocation of ₹55 crore for the project, including the leasing of aircraft, procurement of medical equipment etc.
In addition to the air ambulance service, Roy also recommended the implementation of a Medical Single Window System (MSWS)—a real-time digital platform that would coordinate emergency approvals, verify Ayushman Bharat and Islander eligibility, and facilitate swift inter-agency communication.
Making both inter-island and mainland evacuations smoother and cost-free would bring immense relief to residents, many of whom currently live in constant worry over how they will manage if a medical emergency strikes.
Roy concluded by urging the Prime Minister to use his leadership to implement this life-saving initiative in the islands.