MAPUSA
In a major boost to cancer care services in Goa, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday announced that chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients will commence at both the North and South Goa district hospitals from June 11.
The minister said the introduction of chemotherapy facilities at the district level would significantly improve access to treatment and reduce the burden on patients who currently have to travel to the Goa Medical College and Hospital for cancer care.
“The chemotherapy treatment in district hospitals will go a long way in strengthening cancer care services in the State. The new facility is expected to reduce the burden on patients who have to travel to GMC,” Rane said.
The announcement came during Rane's visit to the North Goa District Hospital on Wednesday evening, where he chaired a review meeting with doctors and hospital officials following a four-hour power outage that disrupted services at the hospital on Tuesday evening.
The prolonged outage had caused considerable inconvenience and anxiety among patients, healthcare staff, visitors and hospital administrators.
Addressing concerns over the shortage of ambulances at the district hospital, Rane said the government would soon integrate all independent ambulance services operating in the State with the
108 emergency response network.
He said at least four ambulances would be stationed at the North Goa District Hospital once the integration process is completed.
“The move is aimed at creating a unified ambulance system, improving coordination, reducing response time and ensuring better emergency medical services in the State,” the minister said.
On the power disruption, Rane attributed the incident to a technical fault and indicated that the district hospital administration was not responsible for the failure.
The Health Minister also announced that the North Goa District Hospital would soon be equipped with a CT scan machine, adding that the order for the equipment has already been placed.
