VASCO: Goencho Avaaz on Sunday demanded with the State government to provide compensation for the COVID deaths caused by government’s criminal negligence and violation of Article 21 of the Constitution over oxygen supply shortages.
In a press note, Goencho Avaaz stated that whilst the State continues to mourn the needless demise of COVID patients, who tragically lost their lives during the dark hours between 1 am and 6 am due to oxygen supply shortages at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, the State government should make amends for its failure and dereliction of duty by offering reparation in the form of compensation to grieving families.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
President Swapnesh Sherlekar mentioned as stated by the High Court, the government is guilty of violating Article 21 of the Constitution by failing to protect life due to criminal negligence. Whilst money can never be a replacement for the loss of a loved one, the bereaved families deserve some form of justice and accountability from those responsible. The government should be held culpable for the needless and shocking deaths of so many Goans, who might have still been alive.
He further stated that this government seems to be lurching from disaster to disaster, taking Goa and innocent Goans along with it. From the entire catalogue of failures that Goans have had the misfortune to endure from this government, the oxygen crisis at GMC is the most unforgivable. The Chief Minister’s perplexing refusal to seal the borders and his decision to hold election meetings, has brought Goa to this point of disaster.
Captain Viriato Fernandes, State Convenor opined that the governments are elected ostensibly for the welfare of the people. However, Pramod Sawant’s government has consistently failed the people of Goa. This time, the Chief Minister and the Health Minister have made no effort to hide their contempt and indifference to the welfare of Goans. There has been not a word of regret or an apology to acknowledge the pain and irreparable loss of the bereaved families.
“It is ironic that this catastrophe took place under the watch of a Chief Minister, who is a doctor. At Goencho Avaaz, we urge the government to make amends and at least now do the right thing by apologising and offering reparation to the families for the suffering and misery that the Chief Minister and Health Minister has heaped upon them,” he added.
