MARGAO
The Goa Forward party on Saturday vehemently opposed any move to bring a private medical college in the South Goa district hospital, saying the proposed private medical college is not in the interest of Goans and the common man.
The party has warned the private players that if the government bulldozes its way with the private medical college, the next government will scrap the agreement after it comes to power next year.
Addressing the media, GFP senior leader Mohandas Lolienkar said the party will support the government if there is a plan to increase the seats in the Goa Medical College and attach the college to the South Goa district hospital. “But under no circumstances, the people of Goa will allow a private medical college to take shape in the South Goa district Hospital, saying a private college would only mean capitation fees and for the rich.
“We are not opposed to the medical college per se. Our objection is for the utilization of the government infrastructure to set up the private medical college. The South Goa district is meant for the poor and common man from the south Goa district”, Mohandas said, adding that private colleges are only meant for the rich and creamy layer of society.
Referring to BJP leader Damu Naik’s statement welcoming the government decision to set up the medical college at the South Goa district hospital, Mohandas demanded to know from the BJP leader whether any private players have met the party leaders with the proposal to set up the private medical college in the government hospital.
He warned that the Goa Forward party will oppose the private medical college at the South Goa district hospital both within and outside the Legislative Assembly. Reminding of the capitation fee agitation that rocked the state in the 80s, Mohandas said the government will have to face the wrath of Goans if it tries to bulldoze its way with the private medical college project at the district hospital.
