Health Minister Francis D’Souza stated that there would always be deficiencies in the scheme as it encompassed the whole State, but it still had to be launched.
They were speaking during the inauguration of a DDSSY centre at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex, Margao, on Saturday. The centre will function for the next five years and will cover the populace of Salcete.
Claiming that the scheme did not give preference to Goans, Velim MLA Benjamin Silva said, “This scheme has to focus on Goans. We need to have a proper definition of ‘Goenkar’ as several non-Goans are also taking benefit of the medical facilities. There is no problem with giving medical aid to all, but we have to see our financial position and then regulate distribution, as Goa is already undergoing a financial crisis.”
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the government for hastily planning and inaugurating the scheme. He said, “Medical insurance is a topic that has to be deeply thought out first and then executed. The scheme that has been formulated has to be foolproof, but it has been planned in haste, maybe eying the next Assembly election.”
He added, “Only 169 procedures (out of 447) in the scheme have been covered for private hospitals, and if the government plans this way, then it will be a self-goal.”
Meanwhile, replying to the criticism, Health Minister Francis D’Souza said, “All people fall sick, and not just Goans. We can’t differentiate for healthcare; humanity is the religion we have to adhere to.”
He continued, “There will be deficiencies, as there always are in a scheme that encompasses the entire State, but we have to have that scheme. Also, emergencies have been included for all government and private hospitals. The planned medical operations have been kept for government hospitals.”
“We have to make 3.5 lakh cards for the people under this scheme, and the government will spend Rs 3,206 for insuring each family, which makes it one of a kind in India,” he added.
Cuncolim MLA Rajan Naik and Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Damu Naik were also present for the inauguration of the DDSSY centre.
