MARGAO
The Goa unit of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has said its members are pained at the unfortunate lapses which occurred in treatment offered to Dr Mario Godinho, including failure of logistics, non-availability of bed, inadequate oxygen supply and Covid treatment.
IMA President Samuel A said the IMA would write to the government to look into this matter seriously so that such events don’t get repeated. “We would appreciate if government prioritises treatment to medical professionals from government and private sectors,” he said.
The IMA’s statement assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of reports that Dr Mario Godinho, who breathed his last earlier this week, was left on a stretcher in the Goa Medical College for a couple of hours for want of a bed.
The reports had further highlighted lapses in the line of treatment administered to the doctor before he was shifted to a private hospital in Margao.
Meanwhile, while appreciating the support received from various government departments, the IMA Goa has suggested few changes, including implementation of prevention measures on a larger and stricter scale amongst the public to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The IMA has further urged the government to improve and update protocols for admissions, handling and management of Covid-19 symptomatic patients. “We urge the government to maintain transparency in procedures implemented and improve quality of delivery of healthcare services,” Dr Samuel said. He has requested the government to have a real-time data on vacant beds at Covid care centres and designated hospitals so that patients do not go from pillar to post for admission.
While acknowledging that the government along with its healthcare workers has put into place a system for management and handling of Covid-19 asymptomatic positive home isolation cases, the IMA said it would like to announce its withdrawal from this arrangement due to duplication of work. “However, as part of larger social responsibility in case any health officer requires our services, we will coordinate with the state.”
