PANJIM: The State government has launched ‘free hearse service’ at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) intended to help the families of the deceased, specially poor people, who lack money or face other difficulties in transporting their relative bodies from the government hospital back to their home.
The facility, which was launched on April 25, at present is available for the patients only within the State, though large number of outstation patients visits GMC for treatment on daily basis.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday announced launch of three hearse van service at GMC for transporting deceased from hospital to home within the State of Goa. “Goa is the second State to follow this model after Karnataka,” Rane said.
Rane said that he has come across a lot of relatives who faced problems after a member of the family has passed away, to transport the body. He said that private services charge whopping amount from the families in need.
“Hence, we have started a free service through 108, to reduce financial burden on the common man,” Minister said. Rane said that the free service is availed when the doctor provides the death certificate and requests for the hearse van service from 108 directly.
Each hearse van will be manned by a pilot and an attender. “I have taken this decision in the interest of the people of Goa,” Minister said.
