Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 July 2025
In light of the ongoing disruption caused by the temporary closure of the Chatham Bridge for three/four wheelers and heavy vehicles, Dhairya, a non-governmental organization based in Bambooflat, has submitted a formal request to the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman District, urging immediate upgradation of healthcare facilities at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Bambooflat.
In its letter dated 29th July 2025, the NGO highlighted that the bridge closure has severely impacted emergency medical services, with increased road travel distances and limited ferry operations significantly delaying patient transport between Bambooflat and Sri Vijaya Puram. The organization noted that only one vehicle ferry is currently in service, which often faces delays, thereby hindering timely ambulance referrals—especially for critical cases.
The letter also pointed out serious deficiencies in the medical infrastructure at CHC Bambooflat. The center reportedly lacks a functional X-ray machine, and its ECG machine is non-operational, forcing even minor medical cases to be referred to G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram. According to Dhairya, this not only burdens the patients—many of whom are elderly or from low-income households—but also strains the healthcare system in the capital.
Adding to the concerns, the NGO cited the irregular supply of essential medicines and inadequate drinking water facilities at the CHC. These issues, it stated, further compromise the quality of healthcare in the region.
Dhairya has appealed to the district administration for the following immediate measures:
• Provisioning of functional X-ray and ECG machines at CHC Bambooflat
• Strengthening the supply of essential medicines and drinking water
• Deployment of additional ferry services or providing priority ferry access for medical and emergency vehicles until the Chatham Bridge is restored
“A marginal investment in essential infrastructure at CHC Bambooflat can significantly reduce the pressure on Sri Vijaya Puram’s healthcare facilities and ensure timely medical attention for those in need,” the NGO stated.
The letter has also been marked to the Chief Secretary of A&N Administration and the Director of Health Services for consideration.
