Rane: 75 new ambulances to strengthen medical services

Margao: In a move to tackle the exploitation of bereaved families, health minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday announced plans to launch a govt-run hearse van service, modelled after Karnataka’s successful initiative of a similar kind.
Speaking at a health camp organised at the Cacora Community Health Centre, Rane expressed strong determination to eliminate what he termed a “mafia” operation currently functioning at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), where private operators charge exorbitant fees to transport deceased patients.
“My efforts are on to stop this mafia who use political patronage; this needs to be stopped. They demand up to Rs 25,000 for lifting bodies from poor people. I won’t tolerate this,” Rane declared during the event, which was also attended by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.
The minister highlighted the financial burden placed on grieving families, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who are forced to pay astronomical sums during their most vulnerable moments. According to Rane, these private operators have flourished under political protection, a practice he intends to terminate.
Rane also outlined comprehensive plans to enhance the state’s healthcare infrastructure. He said that he requisitioned 75 new ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services across Goa.
“Goa has advanced life-saving ambulances. I asked for an increase in the pattern of assistance for procuring more such ambulances. This will lead to a reduction in the response time,” the minister explained.
The health minister also announced plans to establish a CT-scan centre at the Cacora Community Health Centre, promising that “all required facilities will also be provided” to improve healthcare accessibility for residents of the area.
At the inauguration of the renovated community health centre of Cacora in Jan last year, Rane said the health facility would be upgraded to a subdistrict hospital based on a request made by Cabral.