A Glimpse into Lakshadweep's Healthcare Progress
Tucked away in the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is often seen as a remote tropical paradise. But beyond its postcard-perfect beaches lies a healthcare system that has evolved remarkably over the years—one that prioritizes the health of islanders and tourists alike, despite challenges of geography and infrastructure.
The healthcare network in Lakshadweep is governed by the Department of Medical and Health Services, headquartered in Kavaratti. Since the first modern dispensary opened in Amini in 1874, the islands have transitioned from skepticism toward modern medicine to achieving universal immunization and well-equipped hospitals.
Structure of Healthcare in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep’s healthcare infrastructure is organized across three levels:
Primary Health Centres (PHCs) – The first point of care on every inhabited island. They offer basic consultations, maternal and child health services, vaccinations, and diagnostics.
Community Health Centres (CHCs) – Intermediate centers with minor surgeries, emergency services, and maternity care.
Tertiary Hospitals – Located in Kavaratti and Agatti, these offer specialized care, surgery, diagnostics, and ICU facilities.
Under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme, eligible residents can access cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for covered secondary and tertiary care services.
Key Achievements in Lakshadweep's Public Health
✅ 100% Immunization Coverage: All children are vaccinated against six key preventable diseases. Lakshadweep has been polio-free for over a decade.
✅ Maternal Health: Gynecologists are posted on every inhabited island, improving delivery outcomes and maternal care.
✅ Disease Control: Special focus on preventing waterborne diseases, which are critical in a humid, tourist-heavy region.
Challenges Faced
Despite notable progress, Lakshadweep faces hurdles that are unique to its geography:
No private hospitals or medical colleges – All healthcare is government-run.
Remote location – The islands are located 220–440 km off the coast of Kerala, making mainland referrals crucial.
Advanced care like cardiology or neurology must be accessed via referrals to Kochi or other mainland cities.
Top Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in Lakshadweep (2025)
Here's a detailed, updated list of verified hospitals and PMJAY-empaneled healthcare centers in Lakshadweep, grouped by type. We've included services, doctor availability, treatment costs, reviews, and patient tips to help you navigate your options.
1. Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kavaratti
Address: Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Contact: +91 4896 262089 | Email: [email protected]
Type: Public, Tertiary Care, PMJAY-empaneled
Infrastructure & Departments:
50-bed hospital – largest on the islands
Departments: Medicine, Surgery, OBGYN, Pediatrics, Dental
Services: X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, lab, OT, basic ICU, 24x7 emergency
Services Covered:
Consultations and diagnostics
Minor surgeries (appendectomy, cesarean)
Maternal and child care
Emergency stabilization and PMJAY-covered procedures
Doctor Availability:
Staffed by ~19 doctors, including 13 specialists
Gynecologists, pediatricians, general surgeons available
For doctor schedules, call hospital directly
Costs (Approx.):
PMJAY patients: Free (e.g., cesarean ₹25,000, appendectomy ₹20,000)
Non-PMJAY:
Consultations: ₹50–100
Diagnostics: ₹10–1,000
Surgeries: ₹5,000–30,000
Hospital Stay: Free (general) | ₹500–1,500/day (private)
Reviews & Sentiment:
⭐ Clean, accessible, ideal for maternity
Limited diagnostic equipment (no CT scan)
❤️ “Staff were helpful during emergency delivery” – X user, 2025
Getting There:
Reach via ferry/helicopter from Kochi
Call helpline 104 for free ambulance services
✅ Patient Tip:
Always carry your Ayushman Card + Aadhaar for cashless treatment. Request referral slips for advanced care in Kochi (e.g., Amrita Institute).
2. Rajiv Gandhi Speciality Hospital (RGSH), Agatti
Address: Agatti Island, Lakshadweep 682553
Contact: +91 4894 242857 | Email: [email protected]
Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled, Tertiary care
Infrastructure & Departments:
100-bed advanced hospital, most modern on the islands
Departments: General medicine, Surgery, Ortho, ENT, Ophthalmology
Facilities: OT, ICU, dialysis (limited), 24/7 emergency
Services Covered:
Surgeries (orthopedic, cesarean), critical care
Diagnostics (lab, ECG, X-ray, ultrasound)
PMJAY-covered hospitalization and medications
Doctor Availability:
13 specialists + 6 general duty doctors
Orthopedists, gynecologists, ENT surgeons
Confirm availability before travel
Costs (Approx.):
PMJAY: Free for covered surgeries (e.g., orthopedic ₹30K–₹50K)
Non-PMJAY:
Consultations: ₹50–200
Surgeries: ₹5,000–50,000
Dialysis: ₹10,000/month
Hospital Stay: General ward free | Private ₹500–2,000/day
Reviews & Sentiment:
⭐ Highly praised for emergency care and facilities
Bed shortages during tourist seasons
❤️ “Clean ICU and helpful ortho staff” – web review, 2025
Getting There:
Daily flights to Agatti from Kochi
Island ambulance: helpline 104
✅ Patient Tip:
Perfect for surgeries and advanced diagnostics. Plan inter-island travel in advance and confirm PMJAY desk details on arrival.
3. Community Health Centre (CHC), Amini
Address: Amini Island, Lakshadweep 682552
Contact: +91 4891 273245
Type: Public, Secondary Care, PMJAY-empaneled
Infrastructure & Services:
30–50 beds, minor operation theater, delivery suite
24x7 emergency, diagnostics, basic inpatient services
Departments:
General medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology
Services Covered:
Hernia repair, delivery, fever and infection care
PMJAY: Minor surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostics
Doctor Availability:
General medical officers, visiting specialists
Confirm roster via Health Department or helpline 104
Costs (Approx.):
PMJAY: Free
Non-PMJAY:
Minor surgeries: ₹10,000–15,000
Diagnostics: ₹50–300
Maternity care: Mostly free or low-cost via JSY scheme
Reviews:
❤️ “Lifesaving for emergencies” – local mother on X
Occasional wait times due to limited staff
✅ Patient Tip:
CHC Amini is ideal for primary/secondary care. For complex cases, they’ll refer you to RGSH or Kavaratti.
How to Access Free Healthcare in Lakshadweep (PMJAY Tips)
Here’s how to make the most of your Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY entitlement:
Carry Your Ayushman Card (or check eligibility at https://pmjay.gov.in)
Visit any PMJAY-empaneled facility (Indira Gandhi Hospital, RGSH, CHCs).
Confirm your treatment plan and request free referral for mainland care if required.
Use helpline 104 for free ambulance coordination and doctor consultation.
PMJAY-Empaneled Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in Lakshadweep (Updated: April 21, 2025)
Below is a verified and updated list of hospitals and healthcare centers in Lakshadweep that are empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). These facilities offer cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries. Each entry includes details on services, infrastructure, estimated costs, contact information, and patient tips. Information is sourced from official portals: hospitals.pmjay.gov.in, lakshadweep.gov.in, and nhm.utl.gov.in.
1. Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kavaratti
Address: Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Contact: +91 4896 262089 | Email: lk-dmh[at]nic[dot]in
Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled
Infrastructure:
50 beds, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, basic lab, OT, basic ICU, 24/7 emergency care.
Key Services:
General medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, dental care, minor surgeries (e.g., cesarean), emergency services.
Cost Overview:
PMJAY: Free (e.g., cesarean: ₹25,000; appendectomy: ₹20,000)
Non-PMJAY: Consultations ₹50–100; blood tests ₹10–100; X-ray ₹50–300; minor surgery ₹5,000–15,000; general ward free.
Patient Insights:
Well-rated for maternity and emergencies. Limited diagnostic capabilities.
Tips:
Ideal for deliveries. Carry Ayushman Card and Aadhaar. For advanced treatment (cardiology/oncology), ask for referral to Kochi.
2. Rajiv Gandhi Speciality Hospital (RGSH), Agatti
Address: Agatti Island, Lakshadweep 682553
Contact: +91 4894 242857 | Email: chcagatti[at]gmail[dot]com
Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled
Infrastructure:
100 beds, advanced diagnostics, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, full-fledged lab, OTs, ICU, 24/7 emergency.
Key Services:
General medicine, surgery, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, pediatrics, dialysis.
Cost Overview:
PMJAY: Free (e.g., orthopedic surgery: ₹30,000–50,000; dialysis: ₹10,000/month)
Non-PMJAY: Consultations ₹50–200; X-ray ₹50–500; major surgery ₹15,000–50,000; general ward free.
Patient Insights:
Best in the region for surgeries and critical care. Beds may be limited during peak travel season.
Tips:
Book travel in advance. Confirm PMJAY eligibility at the helpdesk.
3. Community Health Centre (CHC), Amini
Address: Amini Island, Lakshadweep 682552
Contact: +91 4891 273245
Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled
Infrastructure:
30–50 beds, X-ray, ultrasound, lab, minor OT, 24/7 emergency support.
Key Services:
Primary care, general medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, minor surgeries.
Cost Overview:
PMJAY: Free (e.g., minor surgery: ₹10,000–15,000)
Non-PMJAY: Consultations ₹50–100; tests ₹10–100; surgeries ₹5,000–10,000; general ward free.
Patient Insights:
Reliable for maternal and child care. Limited compared to RGSH.
Tips:
Great for routine checkups and deliveries. For emergencies, request transfer to RGSH.
4. Primary Health Centre (PHC), Kadmat
Address: Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep 682556
Contact: +91 4897 274245
Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled
Infrastructure:
6–10 beds, basic lab, delivery room, 24/7 medical officer.
Key Services:
Maternal and child care, vaccinations, basic diagnostics, PMJAY-covered treatments.
Cost Overview:
PMJAY: Free (e.g., delivery: ₹5,000–10,000)
Non-PMJAY: Consultations free; blood tests ₹10–50; hospitalization free.
Patient Insights:
Accessible for Kadmat residents. Basic facilities.
Tips:
Ideal for immunization drives. Call 104 for ambulance or referrals.
5. Other PHCs Across Lakshadweep
Locations: Minicoy, Androth, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra
Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled
Contact: Health Department at +91 4896 262316 or Helpline 104
Services:
Same as PHC Kadmat – consultations, immunization, basic treatment. Referral support available.
Cost Overview:
PMJAY: Free
Non-PMJAY: Consultations free; tests ₹10–50
Patient Insights:
Crucial for remote islands. Limited infrastructure, but vital for first-level care.
Key Support and Helplines
Lakshadweep Health Department:
+91 4896 262089 / +91 4896 262316 | Email: lk-dmh[at]nic[dot]in
PMJAY Helpline:
14555 / 1800-111-565
NHM Lakshadweep Helpline (Ambulance, Referrals):
104
Referrals to Mainland Hospitals (e.g., Amrita Institute, Kochi):
Via RGSH Agatti – Call +91 4894 242857
Doctor Availability in Lakshadweep: What You Need to Know
Finding specific doctor names in Lakshadweep can be challenging due to limited online records and regular staff rotations. However, here’s a general overview of the staffing across key hospitals and health centers:
Indira Gandhi Hospital (Kavaratti) & Rajiv Gandhi Specialty Hospital (RGSH), Agatti
Total Doctors: 19
Specialists: 13 (including gynecologists, surgeons, pediatricians, orthopedists, ENT, ophthalmologists)
Medical Officers: 6
Example: Dr. Abdul Rasheed (gynecologist – unverified, cited from a 2025 social media post)
Contact:
Indira Gandhi Hospital: +91 4896 262089
RGSH Agatti: +91 4894 242857
Community Health Centers (CHCs) – e.g., Amini
Staffed with general medical officers and visiting specialists during monthly Ayushman Arogya Shivir camps.
Contact CHC Amini: +91 4891 273245 or dial 104 for camp details.
Primary Health Centers (PHCs) – e.g., Kadmat, Minicoy
Staffed by MBBS medical officers; no permanent specialists.
Specialist visits (e.g., gynecology, pediatrics) happen during health camps.
How to Find Out Doctor Names
You can confirm the availability of specific doctors or specialists using the following methods:
Direct Hospital Contact
Indira Gandhi Hospital: +91 4896 262089
RGSH Agatti: +91 4894 242857
CHC Amini or local PHCs: Call respective numbers or dial 104
PMJAY Helpline
Dial 14555 or 1800-111-565
Ask about current specialists (e.g., "Is a surgeon available at RGSH Agatti?")
Lakshadweep Health Department
Phone: +91 4896 262316 / 262089
Email: [email protected]
Request doctor directories or OPD schedules.
Ayushman Arogya Shivir Health Camps
Camps bring visiting specialists monthly.
Check schedules via helpline 104 or nhm.utl.gov.in.
Walk-in Inquiry
Visit the OPD desks at Indira Gandhi Hospital or RGSH for the latest doctor listings.
Patient Tip: For specialty care not available locally (e.g., cardiology, neurology), request a referral to PMJAY-empaneled hospitals in Kochi such as Amrita Institute or Aster Medcity via RGSH Agatti.
Treatment Costs: PMJAY vs. Non-PMJAY Patients
✅ PMJAY-Covered Patients
Eligible families receive cashless treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh/year for secondary and tertiary care.
Eligibility:
Listed in SECC 2011 database or holding an Ayushman Card
Verify eligibility at pmjay.gov.in or call 14555
Covered Services:
Consultations, diagnostics, surgeries, ICU, medications, emergency, pre/post hospitalization (15 days), maternity care, dialysis
Covered Facilities:
Indira Gandhi Hospital, RGSH Agatti, CHC Amini, and all PHCs
How to Use:
Show Ayushman Card + Aadhaar at the hospital PMJAY desk
Example Package Rates:
Cesarean Delivery: ₹25,000
Appendectomy: ₹20,000
Orthopedic Surgery: ₹30,000–₹50,000
Dialysis: ₹10,000/month
Non-PMJAY Patients
Indira Gandhi Hospital & RGSH Agatti
Consultations: Free or ₹50–₹200
Diagnostics:
Blood Tests: ₹10–₹150
X-Ray: ₹50–₹500
Ultrasound: ₹500–₹1,500
ECG: ₹100–₹300
Surgeries:
Minor (e.g., hernia): ₹5,000–₹20,000
Major (e.g., cesarean): ₹15,000–₹50,000
Hospitalization:
General Ward: Free
Private Room: ₹500–₹2,000/day
Dialysis (RGSH Agatti): ₹1,000–₹2,000/session
CHC Amini
Consultations: Free or ₹50–₹100
Diagnostics: Blood tests ₹10–₹100; X-ray ₹50–₹300
Surgeries: Minor ₹5,000–₹10,000; complex cases referred
Hospitalization: General ward free
PHCs (e.g., Kadmat, Minicoy)
Consultations: Free
Basic diagnostics: Blood tests ₹10–₹50
Advanced care referred to CHCs or hospitals
Hospitalization: Free for routine care
Health Schemes
Janani Suraksha Yojana: Free deliveries + ₹1,400 cash incentive
National Health Mission (NHM): Free immunizations, maternal care, ambulance services
Confirming Costs
Hospital Estimates: Call directly or request written estimates
PMJAY Info: Dial 14555 for eligibility and coverage
Health Department: +91 4896 262316 or [email protected]
Patient Tip: Always carry your Aadhaar Card. PMJAY patients should verify card acceptance, and non-PMJAY patients should opt for public hospitals or CHCs to minimize costs.
Patient Support & Assistance
Lakshadweep Health Department
Role: Supervises all government healthcare, PMJAY, NHM, referrals, and grievances.
Contact:
Phone: +91 4896 262089, +91 4896 262316
Email: [email protected]
Address: Dept. of Medical & Health Services, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep 682555
Website: lakdirhealth.nic.in, lakshadweep.gov.in
Helpline Numbers
PMJAY: 14555 / 1800-111-565 (24/7 toll-free)
Use for: Eligibility check, hospital coverage, complaints
NHM Lakshadweep: 104 (24/7)
Use for: Health camp info, ambulance requests, maternal/child health programs
Emergency (Police/Disaster): 112
Use for: Accidents, evacuations
Additional Support
Ayushman Arogya Shivir: Monthly camps with specialists at CHCs/PHCs – check via 104 or nhm.utl.gov.in
Hospital Management Societies: Coordinate patient services at public hospitals – contact via hospital helpdesks
Ambulance Services: Free via helpline 104
Inter-Island Transfers: Helicopter/boat transfers arranged for critical cases
Mainland Referrals: For complex care, referrals to PMJAY hospitals in Kochi (e.g., Amrita Institute, Aster Medcity) are facilitated by government hospitals
Sources
Web: lakshadweep.gov.in, hospitals.pmjay.gov.in, nhm.utl.gov.in, lakdirhealth.nic.in, adotrip.com, justdial.com, lakshadweeponline.in, myhospitalnow.com, india.gov.in
Important Patient Tips
✅ Verify your PMJAY eligibility at pmjay.gov.in
Save emergency helplines: 14555 (PMJAY), 104 (ambulance/referral)
Carry prescribed medications, especially for chronic conditions
Avoid tap water to prevent infections; opt for bottled water
Plan inter-island and mainland travel in advance at lakshadweep.gov.in
Healthcare in Paradise
Lakshadweep may be far-flung, but when it comes to healthcare, the Union Territory is punching above its weight. From free childbirth services to tertiary surgery centers and emergency care, the system continues to serve both locals and visiting travelers.
Whether you're a resident or planning a trip to this idyllic archipelago, rest assured—accessible, reliable, and affordable healthcare awaits you in Lakshadweep.
Need help finding the right hospital or confirming PMJAY coverage?
Call 104 | Email: [email protected] | Visit: https://lakshadweep.gov.in
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