the goan I network
PANAJI
Strongly advocating projects on Private Public Partnership basis, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the South Goa District Hospital will be converted into private medical college by strictly following guidelines laid down by central government. He, however, asserted that interests of Goan students and patients will be safeguarded.
Vishwajit was reacting to allegations levelled by Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai that he (Health Minister) was trying to impose a capitation fee medical college on Goans.
Disclosing that the State has already sent a proposal to central government for converting the district hospital into a 700-bedded medical college, Vishwajit said Union Health Minister Dr Harshavardhan has replied positively to this.
Vishwajit quoting Dr Harshavardhan’s reply said that establishing medical college under PPP mode is allowed under the clause 2(5) (2) of MCI’s establishment of Medical College Regulation, 1999.
Dr Harshavardhan has, however, put conditions that the government should get preference for a minimum of 300 beds in the hospital through an appropriate MoU for 33 years or by way of lease upto 99 years. Also, interests of Goan students and patients will have to be safeguarded, he said.
Vishwajit said PPP model projects are running
successfully in States like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Candidates who have expertise in latest technology will be selected for jobs, he said adding people from Salcete will benefit most and will not have to rush to Goa Medical College at Bambolim.
Rane also said he is ready to debate on the issue but the debate should be in Assembly. “All my decisions are transparent anyone can check details about my department”, said Rane.
