Goa to treat quake victims locally

Sandesh Prabhudesai
1 February 2001  



Goa has expressed its preparedness to airlift 500 earthquake victims and treat them here as the tiny tourist state is unable to send important medical facilities like mobile hospitals to Gujarat.

"We have sent a proposal to the Gujarat government in this regard", says chief minister Manohar Parrikar. He has already sent a team of doctors to the quake-affected areas.

Though plans were made to airlift 500 victims immediately, Parrikar says it was put off as the authorities requested him to keep it on hold till they assess the situation and start concentrating on treating patients.

Goa has a well-equipped Goa Medical College hospital in the capital city of Panaji, besides two district hospitals and several cottage hospitals and primary health centres. The tiny state is also known for its highest rate of literacy and health conscious behaviour.

Meanwhile, Dr Wilfred de Souza, former chief minister and the NCP leader here, has appealed to the government to cancel Goa's famous state-sponsored Carnival and Shigmo festivals as well as the cultural sea food festival held on the beach, this year.

"The government could divert these funds as a relief to the quake victims", suggests Dr de Souza. Following Christmas, Carnival and Shigmo festivals held in February and March are two other tourist attractions of Goa.

The local BJP government is however yet to react to the suggestion.

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