Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 January 2025
Mr. Rangalal Halder, President of the Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, has urged the A&N Administration to address the pressing need for dialysis facilities at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Billiground.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Halder highlighted the significant challenges faced by residents of Basantipur, Harinagar, Swadeshnagar, Betapur, and surrounding areas, which collectively house a population of 20,000–25,000 people. He pointed out that 5–8 patients in the region currently require regular dialysis. However, the lack of dialysis machines at PHC Billiground compels these patients to undertake long and arduous journeys to Mayabunder or Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) for treatment.
“Timely access to dialysis is critical for these patients, as the absence of local facilities creates unnecessary suffering and inconvenience, particularly for those already grappling with chronic kidney conditions,” Mr. Halder stated.
The Congress leader emphasized the financial, emotional, and physical toll these long-distance travels impose on patients and their families. To alleviate this burden and ensure equitable access to healthcare, he urged the administration to install 2–4 dialysis machines at PHC Billiground.
The demand reflects a growing need for improved healthcare infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas of North & Middle Andaman, aiming to provide timely and accessible medical services to all.