The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr Dinesh Sharma, announced a major healthcare initiative for tribal communities on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
The announcement came during the 151st birth anniversary celebrations of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas at the Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology in Pahargaon.
Dr Sharma joined the national programme virtually, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. He also inaugurated a tribal exhibition and visited healthcare and tribal welfare stalls.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sharma announced free helicopter transportation for tribal patients living in remote areas of the islands who require specialised or emergency medical treatment.
The facility will also cover one attendant accompanying each patient. The government will bear the entire transportation cost, helping remote tribal families access timely medical care.
Dr Sharma described tribal communities as important custodians of nature and emphasised maintaining a balance between water, forests and wildlife.
He assured that the government would protect tribal rights and promote their social and economic development.
He also highlighted initiatives to encourage traditional skills, cultural heritage and GI-tagged products, including Nicobari mats.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (virtually), MP Bishnu Pada Ray and Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti were among the dignitaries present at the event.
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