Goa Human Rights Commission Mandates Swift Action for Chorao Island Emergency Centre
The Goa Human Rights Commission has issued a firm directive to the state's Directorate of Health Services (DHS), urging the immediate acceleration of plans to establish a round-the-clock emergency care centre on Chorao island. The commission has set a stringent deadline of 90 days for this critical healthcare initiative to be operational, aiming to address long-standing gaps in medical access for the island's residents.
Resident Complaint Triggers Commission Intervention
This decisive action was prompted by a formal complaint from a Chorao island resident, who highlighted the severe lack of a resident doctor during night hours at the existing government health centre. The complainant emphasized that this deficiency forces islanders to undertake a perilous ferry crossing to seek emergency medical services, putting lives at risk during critical situations.
In response to this grievance, the commission had previously served a notice to the DHS last month, demanding an explanation and proposed solutions. The DHS has now been instructed to submit a comprehensive action taken report by May 6, detailing the steps implemented to meet the 90-day deadline for the emergency centre.
Existing Healthcare Infrastructure and Proposed Enhancements
Dr. Urmila Gauns, the medical officer in charge of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Mayem, provided detailed testimony to the commission. She presented a DHS letter dated January 28, which outlines a formal proposal for the 24x7 emergency care centre on Chorao island.
The proposal seeks government approval for a capital expenditure of Rs 21.7 lakh, along with operational expenses amounting to Rs 45 lakh, to ensure the centre is fully functional and sustainable. Dr. Gauns also outlined the current medical resources available to Chorao residents, noting that an on-call 108 ambulance service is accessible in the vicinity.
Current Access to Medical Facilities:- The road distance from the Rural Medical Dispensary (RMD) in Chorao to the Mapusa district hospital is approximately 15-20 kilometers. This hospital operates 24x7 and provides ambulance services.
- The PHC in Mayem, located 8 to 9 kilometers from the Chorao RMD, offers services from 9 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays, also with ambulance support.
Commission's Emphasis on Timely Implementation
The Goa Human Rights Commission has underscored the urgency of this matter, stressing that the establishment of the 24x7 emergency care centre is not merely a recommendation but a necessary step to safeguard the fundamental health rights of Chorao island's population. By setting a clear 90-day timeline and requiring a progress report by early May, the commission aims to ensure accountability and prevent delays in this vital public health project.
This intervention highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents in remote or island communities in accessing timely medical care, and it sets a precedent for proactive measures to enhance healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas across Goa.
