He compared how much an extraction of a tooth costs in the UK, and outlined how a hotel property could be converted into a place with medical facilities for those desiring it.
Maybe an hour later, my friend and ex-journalist colleague from Miramar, Elston Soares, who leaves back for Singapore (where he's based) tonight, narrated how his mum, three-year-old and he himself were down with gastro -- even while the newspapers were playing down the situation, and making it seem as if only a few people were affected. He narrated his tale of woe, as he struggled with Goa's hopelessly inadequately medical system.
And we're talking about private hospitals here... forget about the Goa Medical College!
In between, we had also exchanged opinions on how doctors sometimes turned into businessmen once they set up their own capital-intensive hospitals, and how sometimes frightened patients into doing tests, procedures and operations they probably never needed in the first place.
Elston has promised to put down his travails on paper, once he gets back to his base. Let's hope he does... one can only emphatise with him, when a ten-day holiday home turns into a series of extended stays in hospitals!
Another e-friend, Nand Wadhwani, managed to make it from
Cavelossim to Saligao yesterday morning... after catching
as many as nine buses.It was my mistake to assume that he wouldn't risk Goa's notorious public transportation system, plagued as it is with both inefficiencies compounded by a lack of information. Nand, who is based in Costa Rica, had a story to tell of how he had to change "nine buses" to get across the distance of approx 60 kms or less! This included some 'wrong' buses, since there are hardly any maps or guidance needed in a tourist-oriented state to guide you to your destination!
"It's so badly broken," he said, referring to the public transport system. The emphasis was on the word *broken*. For someone who has a background in IT, Nand described the situation quite well.
I couldn't help agreeing. Most of Goa's middle-classes (and this includes journalists) have simply seceeded from the problems this system faces. They mostly travel on their own vehicles, whether two or four-wheelers, and simply forget this side of 'the best state in the country'.
Just thought of sharing some pictures from the 'other side' of glamorous Goa. Your comments would be welcome. -FN
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Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent Saligao 403511 GoaIndia
Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://fn-floss.notlong.com
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