MAPUSA
Censuring Health Minister’s decision to roll back the inclusion of Covid treatment under the DDSSY scheme, the Aam Aadmi Party on Monday said it showed the government had no clarity and vision in tackling the pandemic.
The party also said that the sudden decision exposes a rift between the chief minister and the health minister.
“The decision to roll back the facility is a setback for Goans. It reflects the lack of coordination and deep divide between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Health Minister. It shows the chief minister was unhappy with the notification and hence pushed for the rollback. How can such an important notification be released without taking authorities into confidence?” asked Rahul Mhambre, interim convenor of AAP.
The interim convenor of AAP was addressing the media in Mapusa.
The AAP has been demanding Covid treatment in private hospitals to be brought under the DDSSY, a state-sponsored insurance scheme for residents of Goa.
Mhambre said private hospitals were extorting money from patients admitted for Covid treatment at a capped rate while the government remained helpless.
“Goans want to know even if the rates are capped in private hospitals, what is the justification to withdraw Covid treatment under DDSSY? As far as the government capped rate for Covid treatment is concerned, the chief minister played a gimmick as private hospitals are making money by forcing their own regulations,” he said.
He said people have posted videos on social media wherein private hospitals were imposing a mandatory stay of seven days.
He further said room charges per day were as high as Rs 25,000 and patients were forced to submit advance of Rs 2 lakh before admission.
The interim convenor said, Covid infection is increasing in Goa while the government planning was in complete disarray.
“BJP’s strategy of hiding facts and blaming people won’t last. Inclusion of DDSSY could have been a major relief for Goans. We pay tax and therefore it is the duty of the government to provide proper facilities,” Mhambre said.
