MARGAO
With the shifting operations of the Hospicio Hospital to the South Goa district hospital expected to be complete in a week’s time, the over 150-year old building will be renovated and maintained with central funding on the lines of Azilo hospital to retain its heritage character.
Contrary to initial reports that the old heritage Hospicio building would be converted into a museum, the government has now drawn up plans to utilize the building to play host to a wellness centre, district early intervention centre and a rehabilitation centre, presently functioning from the TB Hospital premises atop Monte Hill.
“The government has given the nod to the Health Director to utilize the central funds to renovate Hospicio heritage building on priority. We would like to get the heritage building renovated on the lines of Azilo hospital. We have received special funds from the Centre to take up the renovation and maintenance of the Hospicio heritage building”, the Health Minister said, while expressing the government’s commitment to retain the original identity of Hospicio’s heritage building.
He added: Hospicio has its history, we will not give the heritage building to anyone. We will use the building for health purpose. We will not give possession of the Hospicio building to anyone. This is a heritage building and it cannot be used for anything else”.
When his attention was drawn to initial reports that Hospicio heritage building would be converted into a museum, the Health Minister shot back “I do not think people come to the museums. Hospicio has a history behind the institution. Let the heritage building continue to be used for health purpose to provide health care for the children and rehabilitation for people who are in need of it”.
Health Director Dr Ira Almeida echoed similar sentiments, saying the Hospicio heritage building could be the perfect place for the setting up an early intervention centre for children, besides a rehabilitation centre for the people. “We have drawn up plans to set up a wellness centre at the Hospicio heritage building when the entire operations of shifting to the South Goa district hospital is complete. The wellness centre will play host to various facilities, including a palliative care centre.
“The Director of Health Services has central funds received from the 15th Finance Commission. The moment the Hospicio operations are shifted to the South Goa district hospital, we will take up the renovation work of the heritage building”, she added.
