MARGAO
As the general secretary of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) Milind Kandalgaonkar is visiting Goa for the first time after taking over the NUSI reigns last year, seafarers look forward to his visit for different reasons.
Apart from looking forward to his visit on NUSI's plans in Goa and the welfare schemes for the seafarers, the community hopes the general secretary shed light on the fate of the now defunct NUSI hospital at Panzorconne in Cuncolim.
For, the imposing hospital building and the entire complex stands locked without any activity for over half a decade now.
Seafarers had been demanding the revival of the hospital for the benefit of the seafarers' community and their relatives.
In the alternative, the seafarers pointed out that the sprawling hospital complex should be put to productive use by the seafarers.
Goan Seaman Association of India (GSAI) President Frank Viegas said since the hospital was set up for the benefit of the seafaring community, it should be put to use as per the intended objective.
He said the seafaring community has pinned its hopes on the new NUSI general secretary to revive the hospital project or use the land for the benefit of seafarers.
He pointed out that GSAI had in the recent past urged the new NUSI general secretary to increase the ex gratia relief to the widows of seafarers.
Meanwhile, the NUSI general secretary, who arrived in Goa on Wednesday, told The Goan that NUSI has plans for Goa.
When his attention was drawn to the defunct NUSI hospital complex at Cuncolim, Milind said he will take stock of the situation. "It's eight months since I had taken over the reins of NUSI. I will take stock of the situation during my visit to Goa," he said.
