PANJIM: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday called for a comprehensive review of the Goa Public Health Act in a bid to introduce more stringent guidelines for granting Health NOCs and more powers to medical officers to act against illegalities.
Rane was speaking to media persons after inaugurating extension of RMO Hostel at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC).
“I want to have a comprehensive review of the Health Act. The existing Act is outdated and needs to be amended. More stringent guidelines need to be introduced,” Minister said adding the amendment will grant more powers to the medical officers to keep check on eateries.
Rane said that along the coastal belt Health NOC is been sought by spas, which are run illegally and are den of prostitution. “Prostitution and other illegal activities take place in the guise of spa. Can there be a spa in 10 sq mts room? Why you need bouncers outside Spa? This is for prostitution. Everything needs to be checked,” he said.
“Even, we have started action against Russians who are running restaurants without our (FDA/ Health) permission. With help of police, we are cracking down on them too,” he added.
Rane said that while bringing in necessary amendment, the stakeholders from hotel industry would be taken into consideration.
Meanwhile, the existing Resident Medical Officers Hostel has been extended with connecting corridor on the first floor. The extension work is carried out in areas like office, wardens’ room, library, gym, dining room, and kitchen. The hostel has a provision of 80 single rooms and 24 double rooms with attached bathrooms and toilets. Apart from this, separate washrooms have been provided in the hostel.
