More outstation hospitals to be empanelled for cancer treatment

Team Herald

PANJIM: A day after Congress demanded a bone marrow transplant facility at Goa Medical College (GMC) and Hospital, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday announced that the government is in the process of empanelling more private hospitals from outside Goa in the state-run medical insurance scheme providing better cancer treatment to patients.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday reviewed the ongoing work in the health care sector. Discussions were held on the status of Super Specialty block, further e-tendering of Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), regional cancer centre, 108 emergency services, etc. 

It has been decided to appoint a senior doctor as hospital administrator to look after the state-run facilities, ensure completion of new infrastructure and other requirements. 

Speaking to media persons, Rane said that Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Hospital has already been empanelled under Goa government’s Mediclaim and Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana  for cancer treatment.

“We are aware there are delays on the part of Tata Memorial Hospital as the facility is over loaded. That is why we have decided to empanel more hospitals in this scheme for specialized areas like cancer,” he said. 

Rane said that the best facilities providing cancer care and treatment in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka would be empanelled under the scheme. Goa government offers Rs eight lakh per patient for cancer treatment. 

“Bone marrow transplant cannot be done at Goa Medical College  because it is very complex procedure. It is not possible to have everything in Goa Medical College ,” he said announcing launching of regional cancer centre at Goa Medical College . 

Responding to an allegation by Congress that the government spends Rs 80 lakh on security at Goa Medical College , the minister said, “I have moved a note for additional security at the complex. During Congress government, when I was Minister, we were spending more than Rs 80 lakh on security. And Goa Medical College  is not just a hospital and patients but it is also about students. We have dental college and hospital also. Safety of patients, students and staff is our priority.”