FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
Blame game started
The blame has started now the Doctor Chief Minister is blaming his Health Minister and Dean of GMC for the current oxygen situation for not informing him. Terrible, this is a case of ostrich with its head dipped in the sand.
Does our CM or those in power don't read the newspaper or what electronic media, where are the ground Karyakatas gone or aren't they keeping their MLA's informed about the current situation? The Medical fraternity should use their medical expertise and tell the Govt enough is enough you listen to us how we should tackle this situation.
I salute the medical staff Covid warriors risking their lives day in and day out fighting to provide the last medical help that they can give to the patients in their final journey to heaven. Only miracles by God and Goencho Saib can now help Goa survive this unseen enemy. The ventilators and oxygen is only prolonging the life and it gives a consolation to the relatives of the patient that the doctors and we have done what best we could do.
I spent three days two nights at GMC and the chaotic situation is driving the Medical staff and others into a stressful mental health problem. Only Two stretchers fitted with an oxygen cylinder to shift the patients to the radiology Dept and wards this is how our disaster management good governance team has been preparing for the second wave. The oxygen mask fitted on the cylinder is never cleaned, just fitted on to the next patient inline, how does one hope for survival in such medical unhygienic negligence?
It is left to God to do his best for these patients to recover. Our only hope is on the vaccine and the SOPs to strictly be followed. Goencho Saib pray for us.
Gregory E. Dsouza, Siolim
Babush has failed to keep his promises
Before questioning the performance of 50% ministers in the Goa Cabinet who he says are unfit, the Panjim MLA Babush Monserrate should explain as to how he has himself failed on all the promises made to the residents of Panjim and Ribandar. He has been controlling the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) for over 15 long years but the capital city has just been going from bad to worse.
In his 2016 CCP election manifesto for the people of Ribandar, Babush Monserrate had made five solemn promises. A new market, development of garden and walkway parallel to the existing causeway, a football ground, a Hindu crematorium and restoration of old structures and monuments. None of these five promises were fulfilled and he did not also deliver on a single promise made in that manifesto to the residents of Panjim.
This March during the CCP polls we were promised the Health Centre at the old Ribandar Hospital was going to see the light of the day before onset of monsoons. Another failed promise not realizing how beneficial this would have been during this pandemic. We were also assured that all the roads of Ribandar would be hot mixed from the first week of April. We are fast approaching the monsoons and even main roads of Ribandar continue in a despicable state endangering the lives of the locals and the vehicular traffic.
In May 2019 during that Panaji by-election Babush Monserrate had promised that if elected he would move the Casinos out of the River Mandovi within 100 days. But as expected it was only another convenient U-turn.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Coronavirus, a deadly resurgence
The second wave of pandemic, situation is very alarming and precarious. The surge in infections has overwhelmed hospitals, morgues and crematoriums and left families scrambling for scarce medicines and oxygen. Some experts blame mass religious gatherings and political rallies for the severity of India's second wave, which caught the government unprepared. Crematorium figures show Covid deaths in excess of data.
On the other hand the medical heroes putting themselves on the forefront to fight the virus are inspiring and heartbreaking. They deserve all the appreciation and support. The sacrifice of doctors and healthcare workers across the globe will not go to waste. Humanity will always be grateful to them for what they are doing during these unprecedented times. The respect for healthcare professionals has grown manifolds in the hearts of people.
It's unfortunate that our institutions have failed us leading to the current state of disarray, anguish and all round panic. We regretfully state that political rallies held completely insensitive to the sufferings of mankind in India with a selfish motive and self interest by politicians in the states. When the government does well, shower it with rose petals. When it doesn’t, hold its feet to the fire.
K.G.Vilop, Chodan
An appeal!
It is my humble view – and I place it with confidence before the Archbishop – that the parish clergy transfers, already out on social media, be kept in abeyance till at least the upsurge of Covid-19 subsides substantially.
The reasons are the same which motivated the authorities to take the now suggested measure one year back. Added thereto is the fact that the pandemic has returned now with full vengeance.
Last year there was a flurry of orders, circulars, advices, guiding the parish clergy. There was even one church ‘dignitary’ who went around the churches with a thread to measure safe distancing.
Mousinho de Ataide, Saligao
Free vaccines for all
Till a few days back the vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin) were supplied to the States by the Central Government and prices in private hospitals were also fixed. These were welcome steps but now the Centre has washed off its hands and has asked all States to procure the vaccines from its own funds and directly from the manufacturers. Now the prices have been escalated by the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech.
Ironically, Covaxin of Bharat Biotech, which is showcased as an example of Atmanirbhar being indigenously developed, is priced higher than Covishield! These are predatory pricing and also it is strange that there is a dual pricing: lower for the Centre as compared to the States. Why is there a price discrimination within a country? Are the vaccines meant to be given free to politicians, central government personnel and their families?
Even at the previous low prices a majority of the population are unable to afford and get vaccinated at private hospitals and clinics. And with the increased price even those who were willing to get vaccinated would now hesitate and perhaps may even forego vaccination.
There should be a nation-wide free vaccination drive for all the citizens, at government and private hospitals. This is what is being done in several countries and the Indian government should not shy away from its responsibilities. This would be a social welfare measure to the people who have voted the governments (Central, State) to power.
Surely, India does not have dearth of money. Last year several Indian billionaires and millionaires became richer even when the pandemic was ravaging the world. And these people should now come forward and help India to stand on her legs. It does not make sense for us to shout from the roof top that India is the vaccine manufacturer and supplier to the world when her citizens are left in a lurch and asked to fend for themselves.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
