Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 06 August 2023
On August 4, 2023, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands took a significant stride towards securing the right to health for the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Presenting a Private Member’s Bill titled “The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Right to Health) Bill, 2023” in the Parliament, the MP aims to usher in comprehensive healthcare rights for the people of this unique Union Territory.
The proposed bill is designed to address the critical aspects of health and wellness, focusing on prevention, cure, and rehabilitation measures to ensure the well-being of the islanders. If successfully passed, the bill would serve as a transformative legislation, bolstering the healthcare infrastructure and services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially considering the challenges posed by its remote geographical location.
In his statement regarding the bill, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by the islanders due to the region’s geographical isolation. Situated approximately 1200 km from mainland India, the Union Territory grapples with numerous bottlenecks, including insufficient healthcare facilities and a scarcity of medical professionals.
According to the MP, both the supply side (healthcare infrastructure) and the demand side (health outcomes) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands require substantial improvement. The post-pandemic scenario has further intensified these challenges, underscoring the need for robust healthcare infrastructure to cater to the medical needs of the island’s population and the growing number of tourists.
At present, the GB Pant Hospital stands as the sole referral hospital for the entire Union Territory, offering specialised services in various medical fields. Additionally, the region houses only four functioning Community Health Centres (CHCs), with urban areas lacking access to any CHCs.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma emphasised that the right to life and proper healthcare is fundamental, and an individual’s quality of life hinges on the quality of healthcare they receive. To ensure that government schemes are implemented effectively, legal backing is essential. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their strategic importance and thriving tourism industry, demand a robust healthcare system capable of catering to both residents and tourists alike.
The proposed bill seeks to enshrine the basic right to health for all citizens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and places a responsibility on the government to safeguard this right and ensure accessibility to healthcare for every individual.
Notably, the bill goes beyond enumerating certain rights, offering free access to healthcare for all citizens. It complements the existing constitutional provisions and other laws in force, encompassing an inclusive approach to tackle a wide array of healthcare challenges and accessibility issues.
In a testament to its commitment to the welfare of all its citizens, the bill even considers the financial condition of the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands by providing free access to healthcare in specified cases.
The introduction of “The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Right to Health) Bill, 2023” marks a remarkable step towards securing the health and well-being of the island’s population. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential impact on the healthcare landscape of the Union Territory remains a topic of great anticipation and hope.