the goan I network
PANAJI
The move to allow visitors the option to enter Goa's borders for specific medical reasons and emergencies has raised questions with doctors and hospitals in the private sector unware of the protocols needed to be followed to secure such permits.
Earlier last week, the State administration added another invisible but crucial sector in the 'list' exempted from lockdown rules for inter-State movement of people -- medical services.
It said, inter-State permit to visit Goa for medical purposes and emergencies will be allowed. It also said, the name of the border check-post through which entry is to be gained, the name, mobile number, address, e-mail ID and date of birth have to all be mentioned while registering for the permit.
Also, PDF images of identity and medical documents, including prescription, medical certificate or case paper, have to be uploaded on the State government's official website www.goaonline.gov.in, it said.
Doctors in the private sector, meanwhile, are unaware of the protocols they and the hospitals they ply their trade in, have to follow to treat outstation patients.
Goa is a sought after destination for consultations and medical treatment especially among people of neighbouring districts of Karnataka and Maharashtra which have poor infrastructure and medical treatment options.
The Goa Medical College and Hospital in fact caters to dozens of outstation patients on a daily basis both in its OPD as well as in-patient facilities. The premier public health facility also collects higher registration and other fees and also has a separate set of rules for outstation patients.
