MARGAO
The ailing South Goa district hospital has come under government scrutiny. A day after the issues plaguing the district hospital echoed at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday assured the people of South Goa that the district hospital will be made fully functional before the 2027 Assembly election.
In fact, after inaugurating a wellness centre at Malbhat-Margao, the Health Minister announced that the district hospital will see changes in the next 3-4 months as his department is working on 4-5 comprehensive proposals which would give major relief to the people of South Goa availing medical facilities at the hospital.
While promising full commissioning of the South Goa district hospital, the Health Minister said the Directorate of Health Services is planning to implement Government of India’s AI programme at the two district hospitals on a pilot basis, which would help in the interpretation of reports, especially relating to lung cancer.
Incidentally, South Goa district hospital’s architect, PWD Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, also harped on the full commissioning of the South Goa district hospital. Reminding that he was instrumental in setting up of the South Goa district hospital during his stint as Chief Minister and Vishwajit Rane as Home Minister over a decade and half ago, Kamat admitted that the people of South Goa want various departments and facilities to be set up at the hospital. “I am also of the opinion that the district hospital should be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. That was the objective of setting up of the South Goa district hospital so that patients get the treatment right here in Margao instead of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim,” he said.
Saying the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister on Wednesday discussed the issues plaguing the South Goa district hospital, Kamat said the Health Minister has requested the Chief Minister to set up a full-fledged neurology department at the district hospital to cater to the requirements of accident victims. “Besides, the Health Minister has proposed department of cardiology, orthopaedic at the district hospital. A proposal is also moved by the Health Department to the government to increase manpower to make the district hospital the best hospital and reduce the burden on the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim,” he said.
Kamat added: “I along with the Health Minister will take the issues plaguing the district hospital again with the Chief Minister. We will resolve the manpower issue within one month. The Health Minister has prepared a detailed note on the staff requirement at the district hospital. I am sure that people of South Goa will get some good news after some days.”
No shortage of calcium tablets in State: Minister
MARGAO: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday said that there is no shortage of calcium tablets in the State.
In fact, he made it clear that the hospitals do not face shortage of any medicine in any of the government-run hospitals in the State.
Reacting to a media query over the violations at Mandrem, Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane has said those who are complaining of violations should give a complaint, specifying the illegalities.
“If there are any violations of the TCP norms, we will take action. But, let someone specify in a written complaint about the violations. If there is a violation, action as per the law will be initiated,” he assured.
Govts are not formed by joining hands: Rane scoffs at Oppn unity
MARGAO: Taking a dig at the Opposition parties, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday said that governments cannot be formed merely by ‘joining hands’ or delivering speeches in the Assembly and then going into ‘sleep mode’ outside.
Rane claimed that several members of the Opposition would join the BJP in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections, while those who remain may switch sides if offered ministerial berths.
Taking on the Opposition head on, the Minister reminded that Goans have a history of voting for the same party that rules at the Centre.
“You cannot form a government just by joining hands. There must be stability of thought, and stability in political discourse is essential to form a government,” Rane said.
“Only the party ruling at the Centre will also rule Goa in 2027,” he added.
Rane further stated that simply making speeches inside the Legislative Assembly would not help form a government. “One needs to stay connected with the people and work towards solutions for their common good. Leaders like PWD Minister Digambar Kamat are grounded ” he moves house to house and knows his constituents by name,” Rane said.
Urging people not to take seriously those Opposition leaders who project unity, the Minister remarked: “When elections come, they will just run away. Don’t take them seriously ” nothing will happen. If they sense ministerial posts are up for grabs, they’ll switch sides. We know who in the Opposition goes where and meets whom,” he added.
