The IMA-Goa unit’s request that priority treatment be given to medical professionals from Govt and private sectors - whether for Covid treatment or all spheres - is unheard of. In life threatening situations it is always - women and children first. If a critical accident victim is brought to the hospital, should the medical professionals be given first preference irrespective of urgency? Is this ethical?
When Asia-Pacific countries having more than 3 times Goa’s population, have restricted Covid deaths to just 26, the IMA is strangely silent. It is only after 400 deaths, when one of their professionals has lost the battle to Covid due to lapses, as per the local IMA, the latter has woken up. They now seem to find many lacunae in the present treatment protocols and that there is a lack of beds.
When Covid centres were shut down, bed scarcity was obvious. They were silent. Why? People would now have to go to private hospitals. When the rates at Pvt. Hospitals for Covid care were actually ‘uncapped’ if anything, they were silent.
It is overdue. The GMC and pvt hospitals must share the positives of both establishments and work together to reduce deaths. Right now, indecent profits must take a backburner: cost plus 15% must be the criteria. Govt must be advised that Goa today is not in the position of other countries: to be able to open up all fronts. Silence is not Golden: it is a death sentence to comorbidity citizens who have also contributed to the State exchequer, from which education, including medical, has been made possible to many beneficiaries. Let us not forget this.
R FERNANDES, Margao
