PANAJI
Health Minister on Saturday informed that Goans will have to furnish valid identity proofs so that they are not charged any fees at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. State Government has decided to charge fees at GMC from December 1 onwards for patients from outside Goa and the charges are expected to be finalised by month-end.
"The committee constituted has already had two meetings. We are not saying that we will start charging fees at GMC outright, but gradually we will. Anybody can make a noise, that doesn't matter. For OPD also, from next week, we have given directions that there will be two separate queues - one for patients from Goa and other for patients from outside. Along with OPD, there will be bifurcation for registrations also. The Medical Superintendent has asked me for a week's time to put this system in place," he said.
"As far as emergencies are concerned, there is no question of Goan and non-Goan. The pricing and the modalities on which the prices will be fixed are expected to be finalised by end of the month. If the patient is from Goa, he will have to carry his valid identity card and if goes to GMC without it, he will have to pay the charges," he informed.
The State Government is also planning to lay the foundation stone for
super-specialty block and Regional Cancer Centre on December 19.
"The super-specialty block has been already tendered on October 9. The procedure is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half month. We are targeting December 19 to lay the foundation stone. As far as the Regional Cancer Centre is concerned, we are expecting the first installment in the next couple of days," he said.
Stating that commissioning of motorcycle ambulances has been delayed due to the election code of conduct, he said that procurement of the same is going on through e-tendering process. By November-end motorcycle ambulances will be commissioned.
"One of the companies have sanctioned us Rs 2 crore for cardiac ambulances. Once we receive the money, within 45 days we will get the vehicles and another month will be required to load them with the required equipment," said the Health Minister.
Aiming at maintaining hygiene at GMC, the Health Minister said, "There are several complaints in GMC about the quality of food. We are spending crores of rupees on food and nutrition of the patient. But if you go there and see the actual condition of the kitchen, it is quite alarming. So we have decided to outsource the functioning of the kitchen of GMC to start off, along with all canteens in one comprehensive package."
Stating that people are not happy and satisfied with the working of pharmacies at GMC, Rane informed that the government plans to have round the clock additional in-house pharmacies within the complex itself.
