Team Goemkarponn
NAVELIM: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday stated that the South Goa District Hospital qualifies to host a medical college under a central government initiative and assured that all procedural requirements and stakeholder consultations would be fulfilled before moving ahead with the proposal.
Speaking at a mega health camp in Navelim, Rane referred to a Central scheme promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which enables medical colleges to be attached to district hospitals. “I firmly believe that the proper codal formalities must be followed to push the proposal forward,” he said.
The minister clarified that the hospital would remain under government control and not be transferred to any private institution. “We need to bring all stakeholders on board and explain to them the model recommended by Niti Aayog. The government will continue to manage the hospital even if a medical college is established,” he explained.
Highlighting the benefits, Rane noted that linking a medical college to the district hospital would strengthen the facility by increasing the availability of doctors and improving healthcare services.
He also pointed to the broader trend of deemed universities being granted permission to establish their own medical colleges. “A university is coming up in Quepem and has expressed interest in setting up a medical college. Given that we already have a district hospital in place, it presents a viable opportunity,” he said.
Rane concluded by stressing the importance of transparency and collective decision-making. “We need to invite Niti Aayog for a detailed presentation and involve all stakeholders before taking any concrete step. My only interest is to ensure that any move benefits the people of Goa,” he said.
