PANJIM: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane slammed State Executive Committee (SEC) headed by the Chief Secretary over its decision to direct the resident doctors working in COVID-19 facilities at ESI and South District Hospital to vacate the accommodations given to them by the state government.
“SEC is not a parallel government to give its dictate against the welfare of the State,” Rane reacted as he intervened in the matter and took up the issue with the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant.
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The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) had warned to strike by withdrawing their services to these COVID-19 treatment facilities, if they are made to travel all the way to Goa Medical College and Hospital after withdrawing their accommodation facilities.
Rane said that he would stand by the doctors who have been working round-the-clock to ensure that the COVID-19 patients are treated and the State is kept safe. “I will fight for the rights of the doctors,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Opposition parties have criticised government for its order.
Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte blamed Chief Minister for failing to stand by the COVID warriors and claimed that the bureaucracy was running the affairs of the State.
“Absolute failure of clueless CM, who failed to stand by our Covid Warriors. Bureaucracy is running the show and harassing doctors to evict accommodation provided by the Government,” he tweeted.
“Is this how a CM and government thank the State’s COVID Warriors,” he questioned.
Goa Forward Party’s vice president Durgadas Kamat in a tweet said, “The junior resident doctors are working diligently and are available on call 24X7 throughout the #covidpandemic. Providing them with accommodation is the least thing @Govtof Goa can offer to them.”
“Is this the way to treat #CovidWarriors Mr @DrPramodPSawant? It looks like you have completely lost it. There is no point in telling you! @Visrane kindly look into this,” he added.
