In a deeply moving act of protest, Donald Fernandes, Managing Trustee of the Goa-based NGO Street Providence, took to the streets with his violin to highlight the plight of Soni Jadhav—a homeless cancer patient denied critical medical treatm
ent simply because she lacks identity documents.
Soni, who is currently battling cancer, was recently turned away from free radiation therapy at Goa Medical College (GMC), despite the urgency of her condition. Treatment at a private hospital would cost over ₹2 lakh, an amount far beyond her reach. Without formal identification, she remains ineligible for any government welfare schemes, even as her health deteriorates.
Fernandes criticised government departments for allegedly misleading Chief Minister Pramod Sawant by claiming that Street Providence does not care for the homeless or mentally disabled. “Soni is living proof that we do care for the abandoned. While the system turns its back, we are left to pick up the pieces,” he said.
In a bold move to confront this indifference, the NGO plans to bring Soni Jadhav to the Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday, July 21. “Let them see who they are failing,” Fernandes said, emphasising the need to put a human face to statistics that often remain buried in reports.
Street Providence further noted that many other homeless people with mental and physical health issues are routinely overlooked by the state simply because they lack documentation.
This case casts a harsh light on systemic gaps in support for the most vulnerable—coming at a time when the nation is also reflecting on the sacrifice of heroes like Lt Vinay Narwal, whose tragic death has reignited conversations about justice and accountability.
Monday’s Assembly session now carries added weight, as the NGO demands concrete answers—and real action—from elected representatives.