MP Urges Free or Reimbursable Transport for Inter-Island Sufferers Referred to GB Pant Hospital

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 May 2025

Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Administration to introduce a free or reimbursable transportation scheme for sufferers referred from distant inter-island areas to GB Pant Hospital, Sri Vijaya Puram, for emergency or specialised medical remedy.

In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Ray highlighted the hardships confronted by sufferers—particularly from economically weaker sections—who should journey lengthy distances, usually by helicopter or ship, to entry superior medical care within the capital. The MP additionally endorsed copies of the letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, and the Hon’ble Health & Family Welfare Minister, in search of their consideration on the matter.

During latest visits to distant islands, the MP mentioned he encountered a number of circumstances the place sufferers referred to GB Pant Hospital bore the excessive value of emergency transportation, together with bills for an accompanying attendant. “This financial burden is pushing many vulnerable families into distress,” he mentioned.

Mr. Ray famous that below the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and its predecessor ANIISHI, sufferers referred to mainland hospitals are eligible for reimbursement of journey bills for each the affected person and an attendant. He argued that comparable provisions must be prolonged inside the Union Territory for referrals to GB Pant Hospital, which capabilities because the apex medical establishment within the islands.

Citing the area’s distinctive geographical challenges, the MP emphasised the necessity for a devoted scheme that ensures free or reimbursable medical transport for inter-island referrals. “Such a policy would be a critical lifeline for patients in remote areas and reflect the Administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare access,” he mentioned.

In the absence of a brand new scheme, Mr. Ray prompt that the present tips below the State Health Agency (SHA) could also be amended to incorporate inter-island referrals. He referred particularly to Notification which outlines the medical health insurance referral framework within the islands.

Expressing hope for swift and compassionate motion, the MP referred to as upon the Administration to prioritize the problem within the curiosity of islanders residing in distant and medically underserved areas.