Port Blair, June 30: To take stock of the impact of the second wave of Covid-19 and to assess the preparedness to combat the anticipated third wave of Covid-19 and also to review the medical facilities available in various places in the islands, the Member of Parliament, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, along with Mr. V. Candavelou, Commissioner–cum–Secretary (Health) and Dr. Omkar Singh, Director of Health Services today visited North & Middle Andaman. The Member of Parliament and the health team visited CHC, Rangat and Dr. R. P. Hospital, Mayabunder & CHC Diglipur. The objective of the visit was to inspect the health facilities provided to the residents of this part of the islands and also monitor the status of Covid-19, particularly to generate awareness among the residents about the reported third wave of Covid. On this occasion, Dr. Angel Bhati Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman, ACs, health officials, officials of other departments and PRIs were also present. The MP interacted with the PRI members and locals and after hearing their issues requested the health authorities to provide Ultrasonography facilities at CHC Rangat. It was decided that once in a month, doctors and staff of the health department will visit CHC Rangat and provide the benefit of Ultrasonography. Operation and installation of Dialysis machines, repair of defunct Digital X-Ray machines, blood testing facilities, adequate stock of medicines were also discussed. The MP and the health team also visited CHC Diglipur where they interacted with the PRIs and the residents. He raised the issue of operation of a Dialysis machine in the Diglipur hospital.
After reaching Diglipur they arrived at CHC Diglipur and held a meeting with Ex PRI members of Diglipur Region. During the discussion, the Ex PRIs hailed the District Administration and Police Department for taking the right steps to control the Covid situation and also raised issues related to the strengthening of health facilities at CHC and PHCs. They requested starting of the Dialysis and ICU unit, shortage of paramedical staff and technicians, the appointment of a Child specialist, removal of barricades at villages for daily movement, and involvement of ex PRIs members in decision making in Covid review matters, etc. Other issues raised by the MP before the authorities providing ration items to fishermen. After discussion with the DC, N&M Andaman, the MP demanded the fishermen ration for one month will be provided free to the fishermen. Providing employment of the people under MGNREGA were also discussed on the occasion.
Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman said that the administration of the barricades system has been imposed after reviewing the situation and finding that in the marketplace, people are not following Covid-19 appropriate behavior. The administration after reviewing the situation has gradually eased restrictions week after week. She assured to increase the vaccine doses and vaccine centers as soon as the increased quota of vaccines arrives in the islands. She further said, ‘until full coverage of the vaccine is achieved, the restricted movement will be continued for the betterment of society.’ She announced that soon 7200 doses of vaccine will arrive in N & M Andaman for the 18-45 years and from tomorrow onwards bus service will also be provided in a few routes in the District.
The Director (Health) assured that there is no dearth of medical facilities in the Diglipur region and the health department is reviewing the situation with District Administration on a routine basis.
The Member of Parliament appreciated the services being rendered by the doctors and other staff in providing quality services in the health sector and urged each one of them to render their services with utmost dedication. He assured that he will continue to take up the issues of the people before the concerned authorities in the islands.