MAPUSA: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Vijay Bhike has criticized the state of Goa’s health sector, highlighting severe issues at the North Goa District Hospital (NGDH). He pointed out that the sewerage plant is non-functional, leading to waterlogging on roads, while the medicine department is in disarray, failing to provide essential medicines to senior citizens and patients’ families.
Bhike also raised concerns about the CT scan machine, which has been out of order for over 18 months. He argued that suspending ambulance drivers will not address the larger problems in the health sector and urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take cognizance of the deteriorating healthcare system. He called for a special one-day assembly session dedicated solely to health issues, stating that mere publicity stunts would not resolve the crisis.
He further criticized Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for focusing primarily on cancer care and hospital construction while neglecting broader healthcare concerns. Bhike stressed the need for major reforms, including hiring more doctors, nurses, and specialized staff, improving cleanliness, upgrading medical equipment, and expanding healthcare departments to ensure better patient care.