SRI VIJAYA PURAM | OCTOBER 15, 2026

Maintenance work is under way at G.B. Pant Hospital following Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma’s recent inspection, with details of the work’s scope, cost and execution yet to be disclosed.

Dweep Tulika observed false-ceiling work and wall repainting, including the use of saffron on sections of the hospital’s walls. The publication is seeking clarification from the hospital authorities and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration regarding the nature and purpose of the work.

The colour choice may attract public attention because of saffron’s political associations in India. However, the use of a particular colour does not, by itself, establish a political motive.

The immediate questions concern public expenditure, maintenance priorities and whether the ongoing work forms part of a documented hospital-improvement plan.

Healthcare priorities following the inspection

The Lieutenant Governor inspected G.B. Pant Hospital in late September and interacted with patients and their attendants to understand the difficulties they faced.

Reports on the inspection said he directed officials to address essential healthcare needs, including the availability of medicines, repairs to ventilators, restoration of medical services, improvements to diagnostic facilities and better arrangements for patients and attendants. He also called for action on doctor shortages and the strengthening of cancer and cardiology services. 

On September 30, local reporting also described strengthened sanitation monitoring and general hospital-upkeep measures following the visit. 

Against this backdrop, the ongoing maintenance work raises questions about how the hospital’s immediate repair and upkeep requirements are being prioritised alongside its broader medical-service needs.