PANAJI
A wave of confusion and concern swept across Goa on Friday following reports that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had undergone an angioplasty at a Pune-based hospital. The reports, which surfaced early in the day, triggered widespread speculation across political circles and among the public.
The confusion stemmed from an initial communication issued by Ruby Hall Clinic, that the Chief Minister had undergone an angioplasty procedure on Thursday evening. The hospital’s statement noted that an “intervention” had been carried out and that it was completed without complications, further adding to the uncertainty.
In the initial statement, Chairperson Dr Purvez Grant said, “The intervention was completed without complications, and his condition is currently stable. He is recovering well and remains under close observation.”
However, as concerns escalated, the hospital moved swiftly to clarify the situation. Consultant Ali Daruwala later stated that the Chief Minister had been admitted only for a routine medical check-up. “All his test reports are normal, and he will be discharged from the hospital today,” Daruwala said.
In a subsequent video statement, Dr Grant categorically denied reports of any angioplasty or major surgical procedure. He reiterated that the Chief Minister was in stable condition, had not undergone any surgery, and was in good health. He added that Sawant had been advised to remain in Pune for a day as a precautionary measure before travelling back to Goa.
By evening, Chief Minister Sawant himself put all speculation to rest by releasing a video message confirming that he had been discharged and was in good health. “I was admitted to the hospital for a day for routine investigations. All my reports are normal and I have been discharged,” he said.
He further informed that he was currently in Pune with his family and would return to Goa within a day. “I will resume my routine official work immediately after returning,” Sawant said, while expressing gratitude for the concern shown by well-wishers.
The episode, however, led to several hours of uncertainty, with political leaders, party workers, and citizens expressing concern over the Chief Minister’s health.
BJP President Damodar Naik said that he had personally spoken to the Chief Minister, who is stable and has already been discharged. “I came to know about the so-called surgery news from the media and had to call him to check,” he said, adding health check-up at Pune hospital was done based on medical advice only.
