Health Minister Vishwajit Rane during his visit to South Goa district hospital, where he reviewed planned projects. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Residents of South Goacan expect improved access to specialised healthcare, with a catheterisationlaboratory (cathlab) and neurology and orthopaedic units expected to becomeoperational at the Hospicio South Goa District Hospital before Christmas,Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced on Monday.
Rane also announced plansfor an emergency and critical care centre at the district hospital, with theCentre having sanctioned Rs 50 crore for the project. An emergency care centreis also proposed at the Navelim Primary Health Centre.
“Before Christmas, allfacilities will be made available at the district hospital, includingangioplasty and angiography. Saxtti people should feel that this government isalso working for them. We not only believe in government at the doorstep, butalso fulfil people’s aspirations,” Rane said.
The announcements cameafter the launch of the puzzle parking project and the inauguration ofrenovation works at the Margao Municipal Council’s heritage building andlibrary on Monday. PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and Navelim MLA ReginaldoLourenco were present at the event.
“Prime Minister NarendraModi has sanctioned emergency and critical care centres in every district. Goahas received Rs 50 crore. We will spend the funds to set up an independent,standalone centre at the South Goa District Hospital and another at the GoaMedical College and Hospital,” he said.
On the proposed cathlab,Rane said it would be commissioned at the district hospital by December. Headded that the introduction of the cathlab, neurology and orthopaedic unitsbefore Christmas would help ease the burden on the Goa Medical College andHospital at Bambolim.
Rane said residents ofSalcete and other parts of South Goa would no longer need to travel to GMC forseveral specialised medical services once the new facilities becameoperational.
“As assured by me, theneurology and orthopaedic units of GMC will start functioning at the districthospital. Interns will also be deployed here. This hospital is a blessing forMargao and South Goa, and credit goes to PWD Minister Digambar Kamat for hisvision during his stint as chief minister,” he said.
Responding to a requestfrom Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz, the Health Minister also announced that anambulance would be provided to the village to cater to the healthcare needs ofthe coastal Salcete belt.
“People inhabiting thecoastal belt did not come forward to us with their requirements. However, wehave completed the mapping, and facilities will flow to the belt in thefuture,” Rane added.
