Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the Goa government is actively expanding ICU and NICU capacity and recruiting specialised doctors to strengthen healthcare in South Goa.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Rane highlighted that 30 new NICU beds are being commissioned today, more ICU beds will follow, and 150 beds have been added in the last two months.
“We never claimed healthcare is 100% perfect. We are running short of doctors, and the Chief Minister is helping us bring in specialised doctors. Efforts are underway to address OPD and other facility requirements,” Rane said.
The discussion was sparked by concerns raised by the Opposition. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and MLA Viresh Borkar flagged serious gaps at South Goa District Hospital, citing 193 vacant posts, absence of cardiologists and neurologists, acute medicine shortages, unpaid local purchase bills for 8–9 months, and staff salaries pending for three months.
Alemao asked, “There is so much load on GMC. What will the Minister do to reduce this burden? Patients are dying.”
Rane emphasized that while challenges remain, the government is taking concrete steps to enhance healthcare infrastructure and address staff shortages, pointing to the ongoing expansion at GMC as part of a broader plan to improve patient care across the State.
