Sri Vijaya Puram | January 05, 2026
Tarun Karthick
A serious concern has been raised over the functioning of healthcare services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands following non-payment of salaries to faculty members of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS). An appeal highlighting the issue has been submitted to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Chief Secretary of the UT Administration.
In his representation, Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, stated that around 50 faculty members of ANIIMS, including Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors, have not received their salaries for December 2025. According to the submission, the institute has reportedly cited lack of funds, with no clear timeline communicated for release of the pending payments.
The appeal underscores that ANIIMS is the backbone of the healthcare system in the geographically isolated island territory, and any disruption to its services could have serious consequences for the health and safety of residents. The uncertainty over salaries has reportedly caused significant distress among doctors, raising concerns about morale and the smooth functioning of medical services.
The representation notes that island residents heavily depend on ANIIMS for advanced medical care, and any weakening of the institution could leave patients with limited alternatives.
Mr. Lall has urged the highest authorities to intervene compassionately and direct the concerned departments to immediately release the pending salaries. He has also sought the establishment of a sustainable financial mechanism to ensure that such situations do not recur in the future, safeguarding both the dignity of medical professionals and the healthcare needs of islanders.
The appeal emphasizes that the stability of ANIIMS is crucial for public welfare in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and calls for urgent action to avert a potential healthcare crisis.
