Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 March 2025
Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has raised alarm over a severe shortage of essential newborn vaccines in government hospitals across the region. The organization has demanded urgent intervention from the administration, citing the unavailability of crucial immunizations such as BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV, which are vital in protecting newborns from life-threatening diseases.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Rakeshwar Lall, the State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, emphasized the risks posed by the vaccine shortage. The letter highlights how affluent families are forced to seek vaccinations from private clinics, while economically weaker parents have no choice but to wait, endangering their infants’ health.
“This crisis demands immediate attention. The government must ensure a steady supply of vaccines in public hospitals to prevent disease outbreaks and safeguard infant health,” Lall stated.
The organisation has put forth key demands, including:
• Immediate replenishment of vaccine stocks in government hospitals.
• A robust monitoring system to prevent future shortages.
• A compensation mechanism through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for island residents who had to purchase vaccines from private sources, ensuring reimbursement is restricted to those with a valid Islander Card or Local Certificate.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the administration to take swift action to prevent further delays in immunization schedules.