Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 4 July 2025
In a major relief to critically ill patients from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the State Health Agency has confirmed that islanders enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) are entitled to full reimbursement of air tickets when referred by a treating specialist as a stretcher case. Additionally, the airfare for one attendant accompanying the patient will also be reimbursed as per scheme guidelines.
This confirmation was issued by the Director of Health Services in response to a representation made by Shahul Hameed, Chairperson of Sri Vijaya Puram, regarding the lack of facilities for stretcher-bound patients travelling to the mainland from the islands.
The letter, addressed to the State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, also mentioned that the provision of dedicated Air Ambulance Services for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is currently under process. The Union Territory Administration is in the process of floating an Expression of Interest (EOI) that will include cost structures for deploying air ambulance (plane) services on a need basis to evacuate critically ill patients to mainland hospitals.
The move is expected to significantly improve medical evacuation efforts and provide financial relief to economically weaker families who often struggle with the high cost of air travel as stretcher patient for emergency treatment.
This development marks a crucial step towards ensuring that the residents can access advanced medical care without facing financial hurdles.
