MARGAO
Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday inspected the South Goa district hospital along with party leaders in view of the government’s submission before the High Court to fully commission the district hospital by May 2024.
Saying the recent judgement of the High Court is seen as a victory for the common man, and as a turning point for public health services in Goa, Sardesai told the media that the successful legal battle guaranteed the right to health under Article 21, following which the government was directed to make the hospital fully operational.
Briefing the media, Sardesai detailed the High Court’s order, highlighting the court’s assertion that it is the government’s duty to provide healthcare services to the public. “The court has ordered the government to file a compliance report by April 20 and complete all pending work at the hospital by May 30, coinciding with Goa Statehood Day. Significantly, the ruling specifically noted that the government cannot use the electoral code of conduct as an excuse for delaying the necessary works,” he said.
Sardesai expressed concern over the lack of progress since September 26, with no attempts to start ICU facilities, and also over the non-functioning of essential services like the MRI and CT scans, and the blood bank. Incomplete infrastructure such as bus sheds and footpaths are also cause for worry, he said, criticising the government’s inaction, pointing out that apart from filling vacant posts, nothing else has been done.
He promised to work towards the implementation of initiatives to enhance the hospital’s amenities, including the establishment of a rickshaw stand, motorcycle pilot stand, and other public utilities.
