Goa govt refuses autonomy to GMCH, talks on for AIIMS facility

Panaji: The Manohar Parrikar-led Goa government is in talks with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to set up a facility in the state, but has refused to grant autonomy to the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

The state health department confirmed that talks are on with the AIIMS to establish a facility in Goa, which would be an autonomous organization.

"This is not the right time to give autonomy to GMCH as lot of things in the facility are being monitored by me and chief minister Manohar Parrikar," state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told reporters.

"We are also looking at having another AIIMS in Goa. That will be an autonomous institution. Goa government will provide land to AIIMS to set up their facility here," Rane said adding that the state government is working towards having more hospitals in the state.

Rane, who recently won the by-election from Valpoi constituency, today took oath as a member of legislative assembly in presence of Speaker Pramod Sawant along with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was elected from Panaji constituency.

The minister said that his immediate priority is to put the health sector on track.

"We have to put the GMCH on the track. Under the guidance of the chief minister, I will amend Deen Dayal Swasth Seva Yojana (government-run mediclaim scheme), so that more benefits can be provided to the people," he added.

"Tinkering of the scheme is going on. We are trying to see how we can give best facilities to the people under this scheme," he said.

On the health services to the rural areas, the minister said, "All sub health centres would be made active with the provision of doctors, who would visit there on a weekly basis."