Margao – Let us hope that the announcement made today by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant regarding the inclusion of ESI Hospital, Margao by the Union Government in the list of locations under active consideration for the setting up of a Government Medical College becomes a reality soon, said Madganvcho Awaaz and Youth Leader Prabhav Naik.
On 16th February 2009, the then Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Oscar Fernandes, had announced plans to set up a Medical College with super-speciality healthcare facilities in Goa, provided the State Government allotted suitable land. This announcement was made during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the upgradation of the ESI Hospital at Margao itself, making it a natural and ideal location for such a project, claimed Prabhav Naik.
Sadly, the then Chief Minister and current defector MLA, Digambar Kamat, failed to identify and offer this location or any other land for the medical college. This missed opportunity highlights a lack of vision and political will that has delayed much-needed healthcare and educational infrastructure in South Goa, said Prabhav Naik.
I want to remind Goans that then CM and current defector MLA had stated in his speech in February 2009, “The government which fails in providing health care facilities to the public has no right to remain in power.” Ironically, he now remains silent on the issue of the South Goa District Hospital and continues to ignore the healthcare needs of the people of Margao and surrounding areas, stated Prabhav Naik.
The Government must now take proactive steps to upgrade the existing facilities at ESI Hospital, Margao. It is imperative to ensure that the hardworking labour class, the very backbone of our economy receives proper, accessible, and timely healthcare. Strengthening the hospital’s infrastructure, increasing medical staff, and expanding services should be immediate priorities, Prabhav Naik said.
