MAPUSA
Facing scrutiny from the Opposition regarding inadequate machinery at the State’s tertiary hospital, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) will soon be equipped with a mammography machine and a PET scan.
Rane asserted that GMCH offers top-notch facilities to the residents of the State, though he acknowledged there are some issues that need addressing.
“The cabinet has approved the procurement of a PET scan for the premier hospital, and space has been identified for its installation. We will soon have the PET scan in place,” he stated.
During the Question Hour on Thursday, Rane was responding to concerns raised by House members.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao emphasised the importance of installing a PET scan machine at GMCH for early cancer detection, noting that patients are currently compelled to seek expensive scans at private hospitals. “It costs around Rs 27,000 for one scan in a private hospital. The government should prioritise installing this machine at GMCH,” Alemao urged.
Alemao also highlighted the long wait times for CT scans at GMCH, with patients receiving appointments one to two months later due to high demand.
Rane noted that Goa is the first State to implement the ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) program. “A CT scan machine is available at the South Goa District Hospital, and thrombolysis procedures are conducted in Mapusa,” he said. However, he admitted there is a shortage of technical staff in Casualty.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva raised concerns about GMCH doctors referring patients to private hospitals and questioned if the government reimburses these expenses.
Rane responded that only 310 cases were referred externally in the past four years and expressed willingness to consider specific reimbursement requests.
Rane also mentioned improvements in the radiology department, reducing patient wait times.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye pointed out that the mammography machine at GMCH, crucial for detecting breast cancer, had broken down and needed replacement.
Rane assured the House that a new mammography machine would be installed soon.
