the goan I network
PORVORIM
A group of residents at Saligao are up in arms against the setting up of a Primary Health Centre in the government primary school.
After the gram sabha at Saligao on Sunday, a group of residents informed Saligao Sarpanch Lafira Gomes and panch members that they opposed the health department’s to start a Primary Health Centre at the government primary school and insisted that the panchayat should not grant permission to the move.
Later speaking to media persons, former Saligao sarpanch Eknath Oroskar said that the area of the government primary school is only 148 sq. mtrs. “There are 43 students studying in the school and an Anganwadi is also located in this school.”
“The government primary school is of utmost importance to this village and it would be a crime if the school is closed down for the sake of a Primary Health Centre,” said Oraskar.
He added that the available space was insufficient for a health centre.
“There is already a sub health centre in Saligao. The government should upgrade infrastructure at this sub-centre and provide a doctor round the clock,” Oroskar added.
Ramesh Ghadi, leader of the group, clarified that the residents were not against the Primary Health Centre, but insisted it should not be at the cost of the primary school.
“The government should look out for alternate place or construct a new building on comunidade land for the Primary Health Centre. Since there is already a Sub Health centre at Saligao, what is need of starting a Primary Health Centre in haste?”
“Instead, the government should provide better infrastructure at this primary school which will motivate more parents to send their children to this school. Under no circumstance will residents allow the health department start a Primary Health Sentre in the school,” warned Ghadi.
