PANAJI
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh from his personal trust to the family of an 11-year-old boy from Sattari who lost his leg following alleged medical negligence at the Community Health Centre Valpoi.
Speaking to reporters, Rane termed the incident “sad” and said the government has constituted a committee to inspect all state-run hospitals and establish strict medical protocols to prevent similar incidents in future. “It was unfortunate that the boy had to lose his leg because of medical negligence,” Rane said.
According to the minister, the committee includes the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, Health Department Advisor Frezella Araujo, and other officials. The panel has been tasked with reviewing procedures and ensuring accountability across government healthcare facilities.
“We cannot reverse the damage caused, but at least we can ensure such incidents do not happen again,” Rane stated while announcing the compensation.
The boy was initially brought to the Community Health Centre Valpoi on April 27 after sustaining an injury to his left leg in a fall. As per the inquiry report, he was examined by on-duty medical officer Dr Yavanti Gawade.
The following day, the child was again taken to the casualty department with fever, vomiting, and drowsiness, after which he was referred to Goa Medical College. Later, the boy reportedly developed oedema in his toes, and the affected limb had to be amputated due to gangrene.
The Goa government has since suspended Dr Yavanti Gawade, holding her responsible for the alleged negligence highlighted in the inquiry report.
