Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced the party’s entry into the Ponda Assembly by-election, asserting that electing an AAP MLA would lead to immediate reforms in Goa’s healthcare system, beginning with the transformation of the ID Hospital.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal visited St Alex Church, Calangute, where he sought blessings for the people of Goa. He was received by Parish Priest Father Mariano Silveira.
Kejriwal was accompanied by former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Goa In-Charge Atishi, AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik, Working President Gerson Gomes, Senior Vice President Sandesh Teleikar Dessai, Joint Secretary Manuel Cardozo, and local leaders Carol Fernandes, John Fernandes, Herton Fernandes and Sandeep Pednekar, along with party volunteers.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Kejriwal said the people of Goa were deeply dissatisfied with the state of healthcare.
“Yesterday I was in Ponda, and people there are extremely frustrated. Patients from across Goa are forced to rush to GMC, and even there, beds are unavailable without referrals. This is the reality under BJP governance,” he said.
He further stated that the AAP government in Punjab has implemented a ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme for every citizen and asserted that Goans deserve the same.
“I have appealed to the people of Ponda—elect an AAP MLA in the by-election and we will immediately transform the ID Hospital. Healthcare cannot wait,” Kejriwal said.
AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik said Goa’s healthcare system was in crisis due to years of neglect.
“Goa needs healthcare reform, not empty assurances. AAP has demonstrated in Delhi and Punjab that quality healthcare is achievable with the right intent. What Arvind Kejriwal is offering is hope backed by a clear roadmap,” Naik said.
Working President Gerson Gomes said AAP’s politics is rooted in faith and service.
“Our visit to St Alex Church reflects our belief that politics must be guided by compassion and people’s welfare. Goans are suffering due to poor health infrastructure, and AAP is the only party offering honest solutions,” Gomes said.
Joint Secretary Manuel Cardozo said people are increasingly viewing AAP as the only alternative.
“People are tired of depending on referrals and influence for basic treatment. AAP’s commitment to hospital transformation and universal health insurance is resonating strongly,” he said.
AAP reiterated its demand for a ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme for every Goan and stated that the party will continue to raise healthcare-related issues until dignified and accessible medical facilities are ensured across the State.







