Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Healthcare Infrastructure in Andaman for Travelers
- Top Cities/Places for Medical Access
- Tourist Circuits and Medical Access
- Health-Related Activities and Services
- Seasons, Festivals, and Healthcare Load
- Suggested Health-Ready Itineraries
- Budget Tips for Healthcare
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture (Healthy Picks)
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a dream for beach lovers and divers—but they are also remote and spread across the Bay of Bengal. For travelers, knowing where to find reliable hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency services is essential. This guide brings together up-to-date, practical information on medical facilities in Andaman, how to access them across popular islands, what to budget, and smart health tips for a safer, smoother trip.
Healthcare Infrastructure in Andaman for Travelers
Healthcare in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is centered in Port Blair, the capital. Government hospitals handle most cases, supplemented by community health centers (CHCs), primary health centers (PHCs), and a handful of private clinics and diagnostics.
- Primary hub: Port Blair (largest hospitals, specialists, diagnostics, 24/7 emergency).
- Secondary nodes: Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, Neil/Shaheed Dweep, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur (PHCs/CHCs with basic care and stabilization).
- Ambulance & emergency: Dial 102/108 for ambulance services and 112 for all-India emergency support; response times vary by island and weather.
- Evacuation: Serious cases are stabilized locally and transported to Port Blair or the mainland (often Chennai or Kolkata). Air evacuation is weather- and availability-dependent.
Note: Medical information can change. Always reconfirm local emergency numbers and facility availability with your hotel, tour operator, or the Andaman administration on arrival.
Top Cities/Places for Medical Access
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Port Blair (Capital)
- G.B. Pant Hospital (Government): Tertiary care, emergency services, imaging, specialists; main referral center for the islands.
- ANIIMS associated facilities: Teaching and referral services; emergency and inpatient care.
- Private clinics/diagnostics: Available around Aberdeen Bazaar, Junglighat, and Goalghar for routine consultations and tests.
- Pharmacies: Numerous; extended hours common in central areas.
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Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
- Primary Health Centre (PHC): Basic outpatient and emergency stabilization; referrals to Port Blair.
- Pharmacies: Limited; carry essential prescriptions.
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Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
- PHC: First-line care and stabilization; referrals as needed.
- Pharmacies: Few; stock can be limited.
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Middle & North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- CHCs/PHCs: Basic inpatient beds, minor procedures, emergency stabilization.
- Pharmacies: Available but fewer than Port Blair; bring ongoing medications.
Tourist Circuits and Medical Access
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Classic Circuit: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil
- Access: Ferries or high-speed catamarans; sea schedules can be disrupted by weather.
- Medical plan: Use island PHCs for minor issues; for imaging, advanced care, or serious illness, return to Port Blair.
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Middle Andaman Circuit: Baratang – Rangat – Mayabunder – Diglipur
- Access: Long road journeys with ferry crossings; mobile coverage can be patchy.
- Medical plan: CHCs offer first response; Port Blair remains the main referral center.
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Diving & Snorkeling Hotspots
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Most dive shops; basic oxygen and first aid at reputable operators.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and North Bay/Boat excursions: Check operators for safety equipment, oxygen, and trained staff.
Health-Related Activities and Services
- Diving health checks: Most dive operators require a medical questionnaire; a doctor’s clearance may be needed for certain conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease).
- Decompression illness (DCI): Oxygen first aid is standard with reputable dive centers. Hyperbaric treatment is typically coordinated in Port Blair; access for civilians may involve local authorities and available facilities.
- Mosquito-borne precautions: Use repellents (20–30% DEET or equivalent), wear long sleeves at dusk/dawn, and choose accommodations with screens or AC.
- Heat and hydration: High UV and humidity; pack ORS, sunscreen (reef-safe if snorkeling), and a refillable bottle.
- Seasickness: Carry motion-sickness tablets for ferries and boat trips.
- Pharmacies and supplies: Best stocked in Port Blair; out-islands may have limited brands. Bring prescriptions and a basic first-aid kit.
- Telemedicine/insurance: Many travelers rely on teleconsultation for non-emergencies; ensure your travel insurance covers evacuation and adventure sports.
Seasons, Festivals, and Healthcare Load
- Peak tourist season (Nov–Apr): Higher footfall at clinics; book routine visits and dive medicals in advance if needed.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Rough seas can delay ferries and medical transfers. Carry extra medications and allow buffer days.
- Local events/holidays: Some services may operate on limited hours; emergency care continues, but wait times may increase.
Suggested Health-Ready Itineraries
4 Days: Port Blair Base With Island Day Trips
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sightseeing (Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove); easy access to hospitals and pharmacies.
- Day 3: Day trip to North Bay/Ross Island; confirm boat operators carry lifejackets and first aid.
- Day 4: Reserve for rest or contingency in case of weather/health delays.
6–7 Days: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil
- Day 1–2: Port Blair (stock up on medications).
- Day 3–5: Havelock for beaches/diving; identify the PHC and nearest pharmacy; plan dive days with hydration and rest gaps.
- Day 6: Neil Island; keep essential meds and ORS handy.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair; schedule any required checkups before departure.
Budget Tips for Healthcare
- Government vs private: Government facilities often have low or no consultation fees; private clinics are faster but cost more.
- Typical costs (indicative):
- Private GP consultation: roughly ₹300–₹800 (varies by clinic).
- Basic lab tests: ₹300–₹1,500 per test depending on type.
- Routine medications: often affordable; bring long-term meds from home to ensure continuity.
- Diving medical clearance (if required): clinic-dependent; budget ₹1,000–₹2,500.
- Evacuation: Air or charter evacuations can be expensive (often tens of thousands to several lakhs of INR). Confirm coverage and procedures with your insurer before travel.
- Cash and connectivity: Keep some cash; card machines and networks can be unreliable on out-islands.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach Andaman
- By air: Direct flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi.
- By sea: Passenger ships operate infrequently from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (long journey, limited medical support onboard); air travel is preferable for medical readiness.
Getting Around and Emergency Transport
- Within Port Blair: Taxis and app-based cabs (limited), auto-rickshaws. Hotel desks can assist in emergencies.
- Inter-island: Government ferries and private catamarans; schedules affected by weather. Keep ferry helpline and ticket counters’ numbers.
- Ambulance: Dial 102/108 (ambulance) or 112 (all-India emergency). Response times may vary outside Port Blair.
- Evacuation to mainland: Usually via commercial flights (medical fit-to-fly required) or charter/air ambulance when available; coordination via hospital and insurer.
Accommodation Near Key Medical Facilities
- Near G.B. Pant Hospital (Port Blair): Look around Aberdeen Bazaar, Phoenix Bay, and Junglighat for hotels and guesthouses in various budgets.
- Havelock (Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar areas): Resorts clustered near the main market and jetty—convenient for the PHC and pharmacies.
- Neil (main bazaar/jetty): Small hotels near the market offer quickest access to the PHC and transport.
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: Limited hotel stock; book near town centers to be closer to CHCs and transport hubs.
Estimated Medical and Travel Costs
- Local transport (one-way): Auto-rickshaw ₹100–₹300 in Port Blair; taxis higher depending on distance/time.
- Ferries: Government ferries often ₹150–₹800 depending on route/class; private catamarans higher.
- Medical: See Budget Tips for indicative ranges. Always carry contingency funds.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture (Healthy Picks)
- Food: Fresh seafood, coconut-based dishes, and tropical fruits. Choose busy, hygienic eateries; prefer bottled or purified water.
- Healthy snacks: Bananas, tender coconut water, and baked snacks for boat days.
- Shopping: Stock medicines and sunscreen in Port Blair (Aberdeen Bazaar has multiple pharmacies). Reef-safe sunscreen is recommended.
- Cultural note: Staff at government facilities may be stretched; patience and clear communication help. Keep copies of prescriptions and ID.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families with Kids
- Carry pediatric-dose medications, a digital thermometer, and ORS.
- Choose Port Blair as a base if traveling with infants or chronic conditions.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Pack a compact first-aid kit and motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
- Confirm your resort’s distance to the nearest clinic, especially on out-islands.
Friends/Adventure Groups
- For diving/snorkeling, disclose medical history to operators; avoid alcohol before water activities.
- Share live locations and keep an offline map for remote beaches.
Senior Travelers and Travelers with Disabilities
- Bring extra days’ supply of medications and copies of prescriptions.
- Confirm ground-floor rooms and step-free access; some jetties and beaches have uneven terrain.
FAQs
Q: What is the best hospital for travelers in Andaman?
A: The main referral center is the government-run G.B. Pant Hospital in Port Blair. For routine issues, private clinics and diagnostics in Port Blair are convenient. On out-islands, visit the local PHC/CHC for first response and stabilization.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for Andaman?
A: Strongly recommended. Insurance that covers medical treatment, evacuation, and adventure sports (if diving/snorkeling) provides crucial financial protection in a remote destination.
Q: Are pharmacies easily available on Havelock and Neil?
A: Yes, but with limited stock. Carry essential medications and prescriptions. Port Blair has the widest choice of pharmacies and brands.
Q: What emergency number should I call?
A: Dial 102/108 for ambulance services and 112 for the national all-emergency line. Share your exact location and a landmark.
Q: Is there a decompression chamber in Andaman for diving emergencies?
A: Hyperbaric treatment is typically coordinated in Port Blair, often through local authorities and available facilities. In an emergency, contact your dive operator immediately and proceed to the nearest medical center for oxygen and stabilization.
Conclusion
While Andaman’s medical infrastructure is concentrated in Port Blair, basic care and emergency stabilization are available across major islands via PHCs and CHCs. Plan ahead: carry prescriptions, know the nearest clinic, and ensure your insurance covers emergencies and evacuation. With a sensible health plan, you can enjoy Andaman’s reefs and beaches with confidence, even in a remote island setting.
