Port Blair, Feb 9: The Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration to allow the Islanders coming back to Port Blair from different part of the country viz. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, UP, Bihar etc. to undergo RT-PCR test of COVID-19 at Airport, Port Blair as was practiced earlier. The Islanders are facing tremendous hardship to get RT-PCR test report from the designated labs in mainland within 48 hrs of their journey, which is also highly expensive.

The MP mentioned that most of the Islanders coming from mainland after medical treatment or attending some important works are financially weak and they have to travel long distance by bus or train to major cities of Delhi, Chennai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad etc. to take flight back to Port Blair. Because of the RT-PCR test, they are forced to stay in hotels/ lodges for two days until they receive the RT-PCR report. This also adds to an extra expense. 

The MP also emphasized the islanders are also facing difficulties after booking flight tickets because of the RT-PCR test having a limited validity time of 48 hours.