No Patient Will Be Denied Treatment; Govt Will Bear Private Hospital Costs If GMC Is Full: Yuri Alemao

Congress promises patient-first healthcare policy; Chodankar targets Sawant-Rane Government over alleged neglect and irregularities in health sector

Goa Khabar: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Saturday announced that, if Congress forms the government in Goa in 2027, no patient will be denied or made to wait unnecessarily for essential medical treatment at Goa Medical College (GMC) due to shortage of beds or emergency facilities.

Addressing gatherings during the Goy Rakhonn Yatra at Valpoi and Poriem, Alemao said that every patient reaching GMC would be provided timely and appropriate medical attention on a priority basis. In situations where GMC is unable to accommodate a patient because of shortage of beds or lack of the required emergency facility, the patient would be referred without delay to a suitable private hospital, with the treatment expenses to be borne by the Government.

“No patient should be forced to wait for critical medical attention simply because GMC is overcrowded or does not have a vacant bed or the required facility. If GMC cannot accommodate a patient, the Government must take responsibility and ensure immediate treatment at a suitable private hospital, with the expenses borne by the Government. Under a Congress Government, the patient will come first,” Alemao said.

He said the proposed policy would ensure that patients and their families are not left helpless during medical emergencies and do not have to face financial hardship merely because the government hospital has reached its capacity.

Alemao also criticised the functioning of the State’s healthcare system and targeted TCP and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, alleging that the Government had neglected the South Goa District Hospital as well as PHCs, UHCs and CHCs.

He alleged that misplaced priorities had weakened the public healthcare system and questioned the Government’s preparedness to deal with medical emergencies. Referring to Goa’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alemao also raised concerns over oxygen availability and healthcare preparedness.

Chodankar: Government Cannot Compromise With Public Healthcare

GPCC President Girish Chodankar accused the BJP Government of failing to strengthen Goa’s public healthcare infrastructure and alleged that the priorities of the Sawant-Rane Government were misplaced.

“Healthcare is a basic responsibility of any government. Goans should not be made to run from pillar to post for treatment because GMC is overcrowded, beds are unavailable or essential facilities are lacking. Instead of strengthening government hospitals and ensuring adequate manpower, equipment and medicines, the Government has allowed the public healthcare system to come under pressure,” Chodankar said.

Chodankar also alleged irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment and medicines at GMC and demanded transparency and accountability in government spending. These are political allegations and would require independent verification or an official investigation to establish.

He further questioned the Government over the long-pending issue of land ownership rights in Sattari, stating that residents who have occupied and cultivated their land for generations continue to await secure ownership rights.

“The people of Sattari have been waiting for justice over their land rights for generations. A government that claims to work for Goa must first protect the rights of Goans. Congress will take up the genuine land-ownership concerns of Sattari and work towards a permanent solution after assuming office in 2027,” Chodankar said.

Alemao Raises Section 39A Issue

Alemao also raised the controversial issue of Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, alleging that nearly one crore square metres of land had been converted and describing it as a ₹20,000-crore scam.

The ₹20,000-crore figure is an allegation made by Alemao. Congress has previously stated that it would repeal Section 39A if voted to power in 2027.

Alemao accused the BJP Government of facilitating large-scale changes in land use and said Goa’s land, environment and identity must be protected from indiscriminate development.

Carlos Ferreira Raises Jobs, Transfers and Recruitment

MLA Adv. Carlos Ferreira accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of alleged irregularities in government recruitment, transfers and promotions.

“Government employment and transfers cannot become instruments of favouritism and political patronage. Young Goans deserve a transparent and merit-based recruitment system, while government employees deserve fairness and dignity,” Ferreira said.

He appealed to the people to support Congress in 2027, stating that political change was necessary to protect Goa’s interests and restore accountability in governance.

Altone D’Costa: People Seeking Relief on Every Front

MLA Altone D’Costa said people across Goa were facing difficulties on several fronts, including employment, healthcare, land and governance.

He appealed to Goans to participate actively in the democratic process and said Congress would place the concerns of ordinary citizens at the centre of its political agenda.

The Goy Rakhonn Yatra, which is travelling through all 40 Assembly constituencies from September 22 to October 18, will continue to highlight issues concerning healthcare, land, employment, environment and governance across Goa.

AICC Goa Desk Incharge Manickrao Thakare and AICC Goa Co-Incharge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar also addressed the gatherings and appealed to the people to support Congress in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Those present included GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Working Presidents Altone D’Costa Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira and Sunil Kawthankar, Mahila Observer Kamlakshi Rajanna, GPCC General Secretary Pradip Naik, Varad Mardolkar, Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chief Himanshu Tivrekar, RTI Cell Chairman Uday Chari, District Presidents Mangaldas Naik, Shashank Narvekar, Assiz Noronha and Rajesh Verekar, Youth Congress President Archit Naik, Sevadal Chief Rajan Ghate, Mahila Congress President Dr. Pratiksha Khalap, Spokesperson Amit Palekar,Congress leaders Milind Prabhu, Mahendra Patil and Vishwasrao Rane, and other party functionaries and workers.