Sri Vijaya Puram | February 22, 2026
Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has urged the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration to take immediate steps to address the alarming shortage of specialist doctors in the Islands.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Bhasker stated that the non-availability of specialists in key medical disciplines is causing severe hardship to patients, particularly those belonging to below poverty line and lower-income groups. He pointed out that in the absence of adequate specialist care within the Islands, many patients are forced to travel to mainland hospitals for treatment, often at great financial and emotional cost. In several instances, he said, patients have reportedly not survived the journey or treatment process.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Mr. Bhasker noted that even financially stable individuals with sufficient resources are unable to access timely specialist care locally, thereby putting lives at risk. He emphasized that the lack of critical care specialists has become a major public health concern.
Calling for immediate corrective measures, Mr. Bhasker stressed the urgent need for the appointment of a Neurologist and a Pulmonologist in the Islands. He underlined that the presence of such specialists is crucial during the initial hours of medical emergencies such as stroke, respiratory failure and other critical conditions, and could help prevent avoidable deaths.
He further drew attention to the increasing incidence of nephrological ailments, particularly kidney failure cases, and demanded the immediate appointment of a qualified Nephrologist to address the growing burden of renal diseases in the region.
Raising concerns over healthcare infrastructure, Mr. Bhasker also stated that the existing operation theatre facilities are not up to the required standards. He called for the establishment of an additional operation theatre equipped with modern machinery and advanced medical equipment to strengthen surgical services in the Islands.
Terming the matter as one of urgent public importance, Mr. Bhasker urged the A&N Administration to take swift and decisive action in the larger interest of the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
