Androth (Lakshadweep) [India], April 12 (HBTV): As polling for the Lok Sabha in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep on April 19 nears, female voters in Androth have demanded gynecologists on the island while also calling for improved transportation services for locals and visitors in the archipelago.  

Speaking to ANI, Shamima Kamal, a local, said, "We need gynecologists in Lakshadweep. Whenever we are in need of specialists in this field of medical practice, they are called over from other islands. With regard to transportation, we need a better frequency of vessels as well as easier ways of availing tickets. We often find it difficult to travel from one island to another when we need to. We have to travel to the mainland to have our health issues tended to."  

Naureen Shahana, a resident of Androth, said the local women also want jobs, especially in the private sector.  

‘Transportation is an issue for us, most of the time. We can seldom avail timely tickets for travel. If we want to visit the mainland, we have to negotiate and overcome several obstacles. We also need more jobs, especially in the private sector,’ she told ANI.      

‘Openings at private firms out here are few and far between. Hence, more avenues of employment should open up in the private sector as well,’ she told ANI.  

Seena, who also resides in Androth, spoke about the need for a well-equipped hospital that can take care of the gynecological needs of women, while also having more doctors to cater to medical requirements of locals in the island cluster.   

"We need good hospitals as well as doctors. For better access to education, we need more schools as well as teachers," Seena said. 

The islands are home to an estimated 57,574 voters, of which 28,442 are women.

(ANI)  This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.