PANJIM: Amidst growing political opposition in the neighbouring districts over charging of fees to non-Goan patients seeking treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane will call on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday to work out modalities in the interests of the people from both States by way of signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Goa government will propose that Maharashtra either empanel GMC and Asilo Hospital for the medical insurance scheme offered by that State to their people or make a provision for an annual corpus fund with GMC to treat their patients free of cost.
The State government is also considering a further hike in the fees charged for treatment of foreigners in State-run hospitals. Currently, foreigners are charged 20 per cent of the fees applicable under the Deen Dayal Sawasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY).
Addressing media persons on Tuesday, Rane said, “There have been agitations on the border which are politically instigated. This is basically becoming a political issue. More than the interests of the people it is becoming a political interest, political war between some leaders and parties,” he said.
“As Health Minister of Goa I have to look after the interests of the people of Goa and hence there is no question of me going back on my decision of charging non-Goan patients,” he said.
Rane said that both States are governed by BJP and hence a solution will be worked out. “I am meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tomorrow (Wednesday). I am going to insist for signing of MoU between the two states to resolve the issue,” Minister said.
The Minister said the State is going to put across multiple proposals including maintaining a corpus fund with GMC. “The simplest way is whether we can get GMC empanelled with the medical insurance scheme that they offer. I am ready to accept the rates they have already finalised so that we can pass on the benefit to the patients visiting from Maharashtra immediately,” he stated.
Rane expressed confidence that by Wednesday evening, before leaving the neighbouring State, the issue would be resolved.
He said that almost 30-35 patients seeking treatment in GMC are non Goans from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and others.
Further, Rane announced that fees charged to the patients from foreign countries would be increased. “I want to charge more to the foreigners. They have enough of money to pay for their treatment. Why should we give them free treatment,” he said.
“When we travel to Germany or Australia, no one gives us free medical treatment. We have to think properly. Goa is a tourism State does not mean we can provide it (medical treatment) free,” Rane added.
“Currently foreign nationals are charged 20 per cent of the rates prescribed under DDSSY which we want to increase up to 50 per cent of the ‘A’ grade hospital. Let them pay,” he said.
