Team Herald
PANJIM: After keeping in abeyance the Appropriate Authority’s decision to grant permission to Mainpal Hospital’s Cadaveric unit, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has begun the process to restart the renal transplant unit at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC).
Hundreds of patients affected by kidney ailments in the State are forced to visit Maharashtra for transplants as the lone facility in the State at GMC has not been functioning for over six months in the absence of a full-time nephrologist.
Dr J P Tiwari, head of department (nephrology) of GMC is on two years leave, and this has led to a complete stop of kidney transplant operations.
Last week, Rane kept in abeyance a hurriedly taken decision of the Appropriate Authority to grant permission to Manipal Hospital for transplants after allegations of corruption from the opposition Congress.
However, the Health Minister has moved a file to appoint Dr Sheetal Lingade as full-time nephologist on contract basis at GMC. “The past government gave two-year leave to Dr Tiwari without applying its mind but I do not want patients to suffer and hence have moved a file to appoint Dr Sheetal on contract,” Rane told Herald.
He said Dr Lingade will be there on honorary basis just like Dr Madhumohan Prabhudesai of Urology Department. “I will activate the full programme of organ transplant in GMC,” he said.
Asked about Manipal’s application, Rane said, “It will continue to be in abeyance until I am satisfied with the Appropriate Authority findings.”
