While the COVID-19 pandemic is raging, Goa’s insensitive Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has failed to order an inquiry as to how that Texas based Goan who was quarantined at Goa Medical College in Bambolim was discharged on the morning of 25th March only to see that his results which arrived in the evening declared him positive of the virus.
To shield the doctor who discharged the quarantined patient, now in a clear case of a gross cover up it is sought to be claimed that the patient left the hospital against medical advice. The law gives enough powers to the hospital to ensure that a quarantined patient does not leave. That Texas based Goan after his arrival in Goa last week exposed himself to a lot of his friends and relatives and reportedly moved around a lot thereby endangering the lives of one too many. Ironically the Health Minister had the audacity of telling a journalist that the information being circulated about that patient in question was not true and that the GMC had not faulted. Interestingly the Health Minister went on to say “I will check all the details and let you know”. So was the Health Minister speaking without checking the facts? How can we trust such a Health Minister? Last year just a day before Manohar Parrikar passed away and when the whole world knew his health condition, Vishwajit Rane had the nerve to say that all the parameters of Manohar Parrikar were fine and that he was improving. Health Minister has a lot to explain as to how from January he has mishandled the whole action plan against COVID-19. It was most inappropriate to have the quarantine ward in Goa’s main hospital thus risking the life of hundreds of patients and their families visiting the GMC with other ailments. As of now the Texas based Goan and the other two who have tested positive may have jeopardized the health and well being of all the doctors and staff of the Medicine department at the GMC. The Health Minister must not make off the cuff statements just to fend off questions or to appease the questioner. There is more than enough chaos and panic in the populace. He has a duty to initiate immediate and urgent investigation conducted by experts into any incident and inform the public honestly and factually and follow it up with regular expert led updates. He must also ensure that urgent action is implemented to deal with the situation. The Health Minister who has acted callously and irresponsibly cannot get way with such reckless behavior by proactively not taking every step to protect the hard working medical staff and the public and for not being prepared to meet any eventuality having had ample warning from the pandemic in the rest of the world. Vishwajit Rane must realise that this is a matter of life and death situation NOT a party political broadcast or campaign slogans. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
