the goan I network
PANAJI
In the aftermath of the death of Sadhashiv Shirsat (54), who collapsed after a heart attack while on a treadmill at a Panjim gym, Consumer Rights’ Organisation GOACAN, on Saturday, raised questions about the safety of gyms in the state.
In a letter to the Health Secretary, J. Ashok Kumar, IAS, GOACAN expressed concern about the large number of gymnasiums being started in Goa which are not registered nor monitored by any specified/designated authority as prescribed by the government of Goa.
GOACAN co-ordinator Roland Martins, in the letter, pointed out that other than the required trade license obtained from the municipal council or village panchayat, there is no technical/specialized authority which examines the equipment being used, the qualifications of the trainers/instructors, nor are there any checks for the availability of a first aid medical kit/emergency medical assistance.
Martins also raised concerns over the unauthorised sale of fitness supplements used by the youth.
A Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs representative confirmed to Martins that there is no registration and monitoring system in place for privately owned gymnasiums.
“Fitness/health supplements are being brought from overseas and sold without proper medical prescriptions and supervision to the youngsters visiting gyms,” said Martins.
GOACAN further pointed out that the rise in the number of cases of youth who frequent gymnasiums in Goa and who have suffered from heart attacks and strokes in the past few years is also a cause of concern.
GOACAN requested the Health Secretary to convene an urgent meeting of all
related departments like Health, Food and Drug Administration, Sports and Youth Affairs, Police, Panchayats, Municipal Administration, Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Goa Medical College and Hospital amongst others to address this important matter.
