Port Blair, Dec. 31: CPI (M) has demanded immediate posting of specialist doctors and supporting staff to the CHC, Diglipur.  In a letter sent to the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee, referring to his recent visit to Diglipur, brought to the notice of the Administration that, at present, no specialist doctor is posted at CHC Diglipur.  Due to non-availability of Gynaecologist in the CHC Diglipur, pregnant women requiring specialist check-up are referred to Port Blair. Due to pathetic condition of the NH4/ATR, patient cannot be taken to Port Blair by road and has to wait for proper ship having cabin facility. 

CPI (M) Secretary further informed the Chief Secretary that surgical cases are also referred to Port Blair due to non-posting of a Surgeon.  Similarly, despite the repeated requests of the people of the area, a Specialist in General Medicine has not been posted to CHC Diglipur.  Ayyappan stated in the letter that he has been informed by the people that a Medical Specialist is essential in the Diglipur Tehsil which has a population of 50,000 spread over the 15 Gram Panchayats. A large number of people of Diglipur Tehsil are going to Port Blair every month for treatment from a Specialist in General Medicine.  

CPI (M) Secretary further brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary that sufficient supporting staff like Staff Nurse (Nursing Officer), Ward Boy, technical staff, etc. are also required to be posted to CHC Diglipur as there is acute shortage of such staff in the CHC, Diglipur.  Ayyappan requested the Chief Secretary to take immediate steps to post the specialist doctors and staff to CHC Diglipur.