Government Addresses Specialist Doctor Vacancies in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Clarification from Minister of State for Health
New Delhi: Smt. Anupriya Patel, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, provided clarity on the ongoing issue of specialist doctor vacancies in the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands. During her response to a Lok Sabha question on December 5, 2025, she outlined the measures being implemented by the Ministry to enhance healthcare services in the Union Territory.
Recruitment Strategies for Specialist Positions
One of the primary methods for addressing vacant specialist positions is recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Ministry submits requisitions to UPSC based on the number of available posts. Following this, UPSC conducts interviews and recommends qualified candidates for appointment.
Immediate Solutions for Healthcare Needs
To meet urgent healthcare demands, the Ministry has granted administrative approval to the A&N Islands Administration to hire specialist doctors on a contractual basis for one year or until regular appointments are finalized. Additionally, Smt. Patel confirmed that specialist doctors are being posted to the islands on a rotational basis.
Questions Raised in Lok Sabha
The inquiries were initiated by Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament representing the A&N Islands. He expressed concerns regarding the repeated requests from both the local MP and the UT Administration for the posting of specialist doctors from the Central Health Service/Central Government Health Scheme cadre to the islands for a duration of two to three years. This request was made in light of the persistent vacancies in District and Community Health Centres. Furthermore, he sought information on the government’s efforts to address these concerns and the expected timeframe for specialist doctor postings.
Government’s Response to Healthcare Concerns
In her response, Smt. Anupriya Patel reiterated that requisitions based on vacancies are sent to UPSC, which conducts interviews for the recruitment of specialist doctors. She acknowledged the Ministry’s awareness of the vacant specialist positions under the A&N Islands Administration and confirmed that administrative approval has been given for contractual appointments for one year or until regular recruitments occur, whichever comes first. She also mentioned that specialist doctors have been assigned to the islands on a rotational basis to further support healthcare services.