PERNEM
Petitions and protests by locals in Pernem taluka have finally yielded the desired results, with the State government officially linking the 100-bed Tuem Hospital officially linked to the GMC hospital.
A notification issued by Joint Secretary (Health) Dr Pranab Bhat on Wednesday stated that the State government has declared newly established Hospital Facility at Tuem as linked facility to Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim, "to strengthen healthcare facilities in Northern region of the State."
The notification added that the services of doctors of Goa Medical College as well as Directorate of Health Services will be provided to this facility to provide healthcare services.
"The orders of deployment of doctors to cater to patients visiting this facility shall be issued separately. The Dean, Goa Medical College and Director of Health Services shall take necessary action for effective implementation and ensure smooth coordination between the institutions for providing healthcare facility to this region," the notification added.
The State government’s decision comes after the Tuem Hospital Action Committee had submitted petitions to the government and had even resorted to protests along with the Pernem Taluka Development Committee, Pernem Citizens Committee, other committees, social activists, and panchas from different panchayats
The protesters had repeatedly insisted that their agitation was not against the government, any political party or MLA.
When contacted, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said one of his priorities on becoming the MLA was to complete the Tuem hospital complex and to get it linked to the GMC hospital.
“Those who agitated to push the government to link the Tuem hospital to the GMC hospital had a legitimate demand. With this hospital now linked to GMC hospital, medical specialists, staff and other facilities will be available at the Tuem hospital,” said Arolkar.
Residents in Pernem taluka are now eagerly awaiting if the new hospital will be started on January 30, as was promised during the recent assembly session.
Locals to form panel to monitor healthcare
The Pernem Taluka Citizens' Committee will meet at the new Tuem Hospital on Saturday at 4 pm to elect a committee to monitor healthcare and all facilities at the hospital.
Convenor of the Committee Adv Sadanand Wayangankar has appealed to people to attend this meeting to deliberate on the Tuem hospital and to form a committee to oversee in the daily operations of the hospital, infrastructure and patient issues.
Speaking to reporters, Adv Wayangankar said the committee formed will be transparent, accountable to the public, and representing all places in Pernem taluka.
He said this committee is necessary to ensure that benefits and facilities at the Tuem Hospital are made available to the public, and to ensure that medical officers, technicians and other staff are provided with ideal working conditions and are fully dedicated to patient care.
“The committee will have an equal representation of men and women, with members comprising students, working class, senior citizens, and experts.
“This committee will function without any hidden agenda or dominance of any individual,” he added.
