Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 January 2025
On the momentous occasion of the 76th Republic Day, the Community Health Centre (CHC) Nancowry delivered a much-needed relief to the residents of the Nancowry Group of Islands by resuming meal services for in-patients. This critical service, which had been discontinued in early 2023, left patients and their families grappling with significant challenges for nearly two years.
As the healthcare facility with the most advanced infrastructure in the Nancowry Group, CHC Nancowry serves as a lifeline for residents from Katchal, Chowra, Teressa, and other neighboring islands. Patients often travel long distances to seek medical care unavailable in their respective islands. The unavailability of meals for in-patients compounded the difficulties faced by families, many of whom travel from villages located far away from the CHC.
The issue of meal services at CHC Nancowry had been a pressing concern for the local community. Tribal leaders, community members, and even the media—particularly *Nicobar Times*—consistently raised this issue with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Persistent efforts by various stakeholders have finally borne fruit, as the meal service resumed on this Republic Day, bringing respite to patients and their families.
According to sources, the revival of the meal service was spearheaded by Dr. Solomon Mark Paul, Medical Officer In-Charge of CHC Nancowry. Encouraged by senior officials within the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Paul worked tirelessly to address this critical need and ensure the well-being of the community.
Providing balanced and nutritious meals is essential for a patient’s recovery. The absence of proper meals can delay recovery and exacerbate the burden on families, who are often ill-equipped to provide regular food for their loved ones during hospital stays.
While this development is a significant step forward, challenges remain in other healthcare facilities across the region. PHC Katchal and PHC Teressa, also under the Nancowry Group, still lack meal services for in-patients. Efforts are reportedly underway to extend meal services to these facilities, ensuring that patients throughout the Nancowry Group receive the care and support they need.
In Great Nicobar Island, similar issues persist at PHC Campbell Bay, where the meal service remains limited to a repetitive menu of rice and dal. This has been the norm for years, leaving much to be desired in terms of nutrition and variety. The Andaman and Nicobar Administration must address these gaps urgently and prioritize the provision of nutritious meals for all in-patients across the islands.
The resumption of meal services at CHC Nancowry is a beacon of hope for the community, symbolizing the power of persistence and collaboration. However, more work remains to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.