Knowing about Andaman medical facilities before your trip can make your holiday more comfortable, especially if you are travelling with children, senior citizens, elderly parents, or someone who takes regular medicines. Even healthy travellers can sometimes need medical help because of a minor injury, fever, stomach problem, dehydration or another unexpected issue.
Andaman has government healthcare facilities across populated areas, but not every island has the same level of medical care. The largest and most developed healthcare facilities are concentrated in Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair. Swaraj Dweep, commonly called Havelock Island, and Shaheed Dweep, commonly called Neil Island, also have government health facilities, but travellers should not expect the same range of services available in the main city.
Before finalising your itinerary, it is also useful to check the latest Andaman tour packages and understand how much time you will spend away from Sri Vijaya Puram.
Are Medical Facilities Available in Andaman?
Yes. Medical facilities in Andaman are available, especially in Sri Vijaya Puram and other populated areas.
The government healthcare system includes hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres. The official South Andaman district directory currently lists G.B. Pant Hospital as the district hospital and also lists Primary Health Centres in Havelock and Neil, along with other healthcare facilities in South Andaman.
However, healthcare availability can vary from island to island.
For a simple problem, you may be able to visit a nearby primary health centre or clinic. For more serious or complicated cases, a larger hospital may be needed. This is why tourists staying on smaller islands should know where the nearest healthcare facility is before starting their day.
The important point is simple: Andaman has healthcare facilities, but you should not assume that every island has a large hospital or specialist service.
Where Can Tourists Get Medical Help in Andaman?
Tourists are most likely to need medical help in three main areas:
- Sri Vijaya Puram or Port Blair
- Swaraj Dweep or Havelock Island
- Shaheed Dweep or Neil Island
The type of facility available can be different in each location.
Sri Vijaya Puram or Port Blair
Sri Vijaya Puram is the main healthcare centre for the islands. G.B. Pant Hospital is listed by the South Andaman district administration as the district hospital. It is also associated with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, or ANIIMS.
ANIIMS also confirms that its radiology department works with G.B. Pant Hospital and provides services including CT, MRI, X ray and ultrasound. The department describes itself as the referral radiology centre for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This makes Sri Vijaya Puram particularly important for travellers who may need more advanced medical assessment.
Swaraj Dweep or Havelock Island
The official South Andaman district hospital directory lists a Primary Health Centre in Havelock. An official India Cine Hub location page identifies the Primary Health Centre at Govind Nagar, Swaraj Dweep, as the nearest medical facility for the island.
For tourists, this means basic healthcare support is available on the island. However, travellers should not assume that every type of specialist treatment or advanced diagnostic service will be available locally.
If you are staying on Havelock for several days, save the location of the health centre and ask your hotel or tour coordinator about the easiest way to reach it.
Shaheed Dweep or Neil Island
Neil Island, now officially called Shaheed Dweep, also has a Primary Health Centre. The South Andaman district administration lists a PHC at Neil, while the official India Cine Hub page identifies the Primary Health Centre at Neil Kendra as the nearest medical facility.
This is useful for basic medical needs, but travellers staying on smaller islands should plan ahead because healthcare options are more limited than in Sri Vijaya Puram.
If your itinerary includes several islands, save the healthcare details for each place rather than only saving the hospital information for Port Blair.
Medical Facilities Tourists May Need During an Andaman Trip
| Facility | What It May Help With | Where You Are More Likely to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| District Hospital | General hospital care and more serious medical needs | Sri Vijaya Puram |
| Primary Health Centre | Basic medical assessment and healthcare services | Havelock, Neil and other populated areas |
| Community Health Centre | Broader local healthcare support | Selected populated areas |
| Pharmacy | Common medicines and personal healthcare products | Town and market areas |
| Ambulance | Emergency transportation | Government healthcare network |
| Diagnostic Services | Tests and imaging where available | Mainly larger healthcare centres |
The exact services, opening arrangements and availability can change. For a serious medical problem, contact the relevant health service rather than relying on online information alone.
What Should You Do in a Medical Emergency in Andaman?
A medical emergency can feel stressful, especially when you are on an island. The best approach is to act quickly and keep things simple.
1. Call for emergency help
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has an integrated emergency response system through 112. A July 2026 public notice reported that 112 became the emergency and ambulance number for government health institutions across the Union Territory.
Some older government webpages still display 102 or 108, so travellers should check the latest local information when they arrive. For this reason, saving 112 on your phone is a sensible first step.
2. Tell your hotel or tour operator
If you are staying at a hotel or travelling with a tour operator, inform them immediately. They may be able to help with local transport and directions to the nearest healthcare facility.
3. Carry important information
Keep your identification, emergency contact details, prescription information and important medical records accessible.
4. Go to the appropriate healthcare facility
Do not spend too much time trying to manage a serious emergency yourself. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel and qualified healthcare professionals.
5. Be prepared for referral
If a case needs services that are not available locally, medical professionals may recommend transfer to another facility. Travellers should follow professional advice rather than delaying care while trying to arrange everything independently.
Is It Easy to Find a Pharmacy in Andaman?
Pharmacies are available in populated areas, especially around major towns and markets. However, travellers should not assume that every medicine, brand or prescription product will be available on every island.
This is especially important for people who take regular medicines.
Carry enough of your regular prescribed medicines for the complete trip, preferably in their original packaging. Keep the prescription or relevant medical information with you as well.
Do not depend on finding a particular medicine after reaching a smaller island.
If you are still preparing your luggage, the Andaman packing tips guide from Andaman Bliss can also help you organise travel essentials.
What Medicines and Health Essentials Should Tourists Carry?
Your personal medical needs should decide what you carry. A basic Andaman trip medical checklist can include:
- Regular prescribed medicines
- Copies of prescriptions or important medical information
- Basic first aid items
- Personal health products you normally use
- Sunscreen
- Insect protection
- Reusable water bottle or suitable hydration supplies
- Emergency contact information
- Health insurance details
- Identification documents
Do not start or stop prescription medicines based only on travel advice. If you have a specific medical condition or concern about travelling, speak with your doctor before the trip.
What About Medical Facilities on Havelock and Neil Island?
Travelling to Havelock or Neil Island is common because these islands are an important part of many Andaman itineraries. But healthcare planning becomes more important when you are away from Sri Vijaya Puram.
Both Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep have government Primary Health Centres listed by official sources.
This does not mean every medical service will be available there.
If you are staying on Havelock or Neil, ask your hotel about the nearest health facility when you check in. Also keep your phone charged and save emergency contacts before heading out for sightseeing.
This is particularly useful if your day includes scuba diving, snorkelling, boating, trekking or other activities. Follow the instructions of qualified activity providers and speak with your doctor beforehand if you have a specific health concern about an activity.
Is Travel Insurance Useful for an Andaman Trip?
Travel insurance can be useful because unexpected medical costs or changes to travel plans can create extra expenses.
Before buying or using a policy, check what it actually covers. Depending on the policy, relevant areas may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalisation
- Emergency transportation
- Medical evacuation, where covered
- Trip interruption
- Other travel related emergencies
Do not assume that every policy covers every situation. Read the terms, exclusions and claim process before travelling.
Keep your policy number and emergency assistance details saved on your phone.
Important Health Tips Before Travelling to Andaman
A few simple habits can make your trip more comfortable:
- Drink enough safe water during sightseeing.
- Protect yourself from strong sun.
- Carry your regular medicines.
- Use suitable insect protection where needed.
- Be careful with food and drinking water if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Take enough rest between busy sightseeing days.
- Save the location of the nearest healthcare facility.
- Keep emergency numbers accessible.
- Tell your travel companion about important medical information.
- If you feel seriously unwell, seek professional medical help without unnecessary delay.
For wider trip planning, you can also read the complete guide to planning an Andaman trip before finalising your itinerary.
Common Medical Planning Mistakes Tourists Make in Andaman
Many healthcare problems during travel become harder to manage because travellers did not prepare beforehand. Common mistakes include:
- Assuming every island has a large hospital.
- Carrying only one or two days of regular medicines.
- Not keeping prescriptions or medical information with you.
- Forgetting to save emergency contacts.
- Not checking what travel insurance actually covers.
- Going to a remote area without knowing the nearest healthcare facility.
- Waiting too long before asking qualified professionals for help.
- Assuming a pharmacy will have a particular medicine or brand.
- Not informing family members or travel companions about important medical needs.
A little preparation can prevent many of these problems.
Quick Medical Checklist Before Leaving for Andaman
Before you fly, take a few minutes to check these points:
- Carry enough regular prescribed medicines for your complete trip.
- Keep prescriptions and important medical information with you.
- Save 112 in your phone for emergency assistance.
- Save your travel insurance assistance number if you have insurance.
- Note the nearest hospital or health centre for each island in your itinerary.
- Carry basic first aid and personal health essentials.
- Keep your identification and emergency contact details accessible.
- Tell your travel companion about important medical information.
- Check your insurance coverage and exclusions.
- Keep your phone charged during island transfers and sightseeing.
FAQs
1. Are medical facilities available in Andaman?
Yes. Healthcare facilities are available in populated parts of the Andaman Islands. Sri Vijaya Puram has the main district hospital and ANIIMS, while Primary Health Centres are listed in places such as Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. However, healthcare services can vary by island, so travellers should plan accordingly.
2. Are there hospitals in Port Blair for tourists?
Yes. G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram is listed as the district hospital by the South Andaman district administration. ANIIMS is also associated with G.B. Pant Hospital. Tourists who need medical help can seek appropriate professional care there or at another suitable healthcare facility.
3. Is there a hospital in Havelock Island?
Swaraj Dweep has a government Primary Health Centre, listed at Govind Nagar. It provides a local healthcare point for people staying on the island. However, travellers should not assume that it offers the same range of services as the main hospital facilities in Sri Vijaya Puram.
4. Are medical facilities available on Neil Island?
Yes. Shaheed Dweep has a government Primary Health Centre at Neil Kendra. It is listed as the nearest medical facility for the island. For healthcare needs requiring more advanced services, professional medical staff may advise further care or referral.
5. What should I do in a medical emergency in Andaman?
For an emergency, call 112, seek professional medical help and inform your hotel or travel coordinator. Avoid delaying serious care while trying to arrange everything yourself. Keep your identification, medical information and emergency contact details ready.
6. Is ambulance service available in Andaman?
Yes. Government ambulance services are part of the healthcare network. Current 2026 information points travellers to the unified emergency number 112, while some older official pages still show previous ambulance numbers. It is best to confirm the latest local emergency information after arrival.
7. Can I find pharmacies in Andaman?
Pharmacies are available in pompulated areas, but medicine availability can vary between islands. If you take regular prescription medicines, carry an adequate personal supply in original packaging instead of depending on local availability.
8. Should I carry my regular edicines to Andaman?
Yes. Travellers who take regular prescribed medicines should carry enough for the planned trip and keep them in their original packaging. It is also sensible to carry prescriptions or relevant medical information. If you have special medical needs, speak with your doctor before travelling.
9. Does travel insurance cover medical emergencies in Andaman?
It depends on the policy. Some travel insurance plans may cover emergency treatment, hospitalisation or emergency transportation, but exclusions and limits vary. Read your policy carefully before travelling and save the insurer's emergency assistance details on your phone.
10. What should senior citizens know about healthcare during an Andaman trip?
Senior travellers should identify the nearest healthcare facility before visiting each island, carry their regular medicines and keep important medical information accessible. A slower itinerary with enough rest can also make travel easier. Andaman Bliss can help organise an itinerary around your travel needs and island transfers.
Plan Your Holiday With a Simple Medical Backup Plan
You do not need to worry about healthcare every moment of an Andaman holiday. The better approach is to prepare a simple backup plan before leaving home.
Know where the nearest medical facility is, carry your regular medicines, save emergency contacts and understand your travel insurance. These small steps can make a big difference if someone in your group suddenly needs medical help.
For help with hotels, transfers, island planning and sightseeing arrangements, you can check Andaman Bliss tour packages and choose an itinerary that fits your group. If you need help planning your holiday, simply Contact us at Andaman Bliss before your trip.
