AITC Slams Health Minister’s Autocratic Style and Government’s Neglect of South Goa District Hospital

AITC Slams Health Minister’s Autocratic Style and Government’s Neglect of South Goa District Hospital

Panjim, Goa 29 April: The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Goa strongly condemns the recent disturbing trends observed in Goa’s public healthcare system, both in its administration and delivery.

Lately, the Hon’ble Health Minister has made high-profile visits to various government hospitals and health centres across the state. While oversight and accountability are essential, the manner in which these visits are being conducted raises serious concerns. Doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff are being publicly scolded and reprimanded before cameras, undermining their dignity and morale. Many view this as a deliberate attempt to showcase control and deflect attention from other controversies plaguing the government, particularly the censure of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department by the judiciary.

AITC questions: Is public humiliation of professionals a method of reform or a desperate diversion from failure?

No category of staff—from the lowest to the most senior—should be subjected to public shaming. If the intent is to enforce discipline, this practice borders on a barbaric style of administration unworthy of a civilised society. There are strong indications that these actions are aimed at pressuring senior doctors to align with the personal dictates and interests of the Health Minister. Allegations of vested interests in pharmacies and referral practices are further compounding distrust.

Adding to this dismay, leaked audit reports targeting the Cardio-thoracic Department at Goa Medical College (GMC) —which handles critical open-heart surgeries, have been circulating without any official denial. Such leaks, especially when unverified, add immense psychological pressure on doctors performing life-saving procedures. Any error under such conditions could cost human lives. The government must answer: Is this intimidation or governance?

Furthermore, the AITC is deeply concerned about the continued dysfunctionality of the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH). Despite being inaugurated with much fanfare, SGDH remains critically under-equipped and understaffed. Services such as cardiology and neurology are still unavailable. Accident victims and emergency cases continue to be referred to GMC, Bambolim, defeating the very purpose of a district hospital. Legislators have rightly raised alarms about this “referral facility” that fails to serve the people of South Goa.

Citizens are losing patience. Vulnerable populations face delayed diagnoses, lack access to essential care, and are burdened by the cost of seeking treatment elsewhere. As a result, trust in the public healthcare system is eroding rapidly.

AITC Demands:
1. An immediate end to the public shaming of doctors and healthcare staff.
2. A high-level inquiry into alleged vested interests in pharmaceutical and diagnostic services at the GMC.
3. Immediate operationalisation of full cardiology and neurology units at SGDH.
4. Recruitment of adequate medical and paramedical staff and upgradation of infrastructure at SGDH.

Doctors are not pawns in a political game. They are the backbone of our public health system. Goa deserves compassionate healthcare, free from intimidation and corruption.

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