PANAJI
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Wednesday lambasted Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza over irregularities plaguing Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. The Congress also demanded that the health minister resign from his post, alleging failure on his part to address issues in the Health department.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Former Health Minister and Valpoi MLA Vishwajeet Rane listed a host of problems existing in GMC as well as health sector in the State.
“Medication is in short supply, especially the OPD type of medications like insulin. People are forced to buy medicines from outside GMC. What is happening in the Health department is totally condemnable. Congress party wants nothing less than the resignation of this most inefficient Health minister who is incapable of running the department," said Rane.
Speaking about the breast cancer screening facility started by him, which is presently lying idle, Rane said, “When there are very high cases of breast cancer in the State, the breast cancer van providing screening services has been dumped in Margao for the last four years.”
He also alleged that the cardio-thoracic unit of GMC is a scam.
“There are no proper stents in the unit. Imported stents are not being supplied and instead Indian stents are being used. When we used to sanction mediclaim facilities, we used to allow the patient to opt for an Indian stent or a foreign stent, which was provided for through a cabinet decision which I had done. Let this BJP government come clean and prove to the people that their cardio-thoracic unit is a success," said Rane.
“There is one doctor Guruprasad Naik employed at the unit and being paid a salary of Rs 5 lakh. As per MCI norms, GMC is a teaching institution and you require DM (cardiology). He is not qualified and is most of the time in the USA. He needs to be in GMC full time. The unit should be functional 24x7. The work here is carried out by junior doctors," he informed.
Alleging that the health minister is eyeing the Regional Plan, Rane said, “He is a disgrace to the health sector. He should only be given the regional plan and colours to paint the regional plan the way he wants.”
