Goemkarponn Desk
Panaji: On the occasion of Labour Day, Goencho Avaaz Party congratulates the vast army of skilled and unskilled labour who form the backbone of our economy, our health system, our food chain, our security and the very many other dimensions that keep the wheels of our lives turning with some degree of comfort and ease. Undeniably, it is this section of our society that serves as the essential catalyst in the growth of our economy.
The crucial role that they play is even more evident in these times of the pandemic, as we watch our heroic doctors, nurses and health workers struggle and sacrifice beyond the call of duty to breathe life into an overwhelmed, underequipped and faltering health system. It is therefore distressing, that this Labour Day should be clouded with the unpalatable incident of relatives of patients venting their anger and frustration on hapless doctors who are doing their best to cope with the magnitude of the disaster, especially given the deficiencies of the system.
Goencho Avaaz Party appeals to the citizens to understand that just as the people are victims of administrative apathy in building up the health infrastructure to cope with the disaster clearly impending for over a year now, so are the doctors and health workers. It is true that there is plenty of reason for the righteous anger of the people, especially when it is a matter of life and death for their near and dear ones. But it is those responsible who need to bear the brunt and not fellow victims who are struggling day and night to cope without adequate equipment, infrastructure and support thanks to the negligence of those who should have been responsible for this. In fact, we need to thank our doctors and health workers for safeguarding us in conditions of overload, brought about by government apathy and inaction.
Sadly, this will certainly not be a happy Labour Day for those who should have been celebrating. Even as our economy and health infrastructure crumbles and collapses, our State Government squanders precious funds on Liberation Day celebrations, IFFI, fancy lighting of bridges and blatant misuse of Central funds.
Goencho Avaaz appeals to the government to provide effective police protection and security for the frontline workers, given the extremely stressful and totally inadequate conditions under which they are functioning.
Disasters and pandemics happen. However, a government that is focused and committed to dealing with it on a priority basis, will definitely succeed in mitigating the resultant ill effects. Given the alarming mortality and rate of spread of Covid 19 in Goa, the people need to get a daily update from the government regarding the measures being undertaken in terms of boosting infrastructure and equipment, fine-tuning the organization of the system and insulating the state by perhaps temporarily sealing the borders. The people of Goa need clarity, especially given the confusion and trust deficiency created by a government, where each Minister speaks in a different voice. If the government does not get its priorities straight and its act together, the state will certainly sink under this burden.