Ensure 100% oxygen for Goa first; stop wasteful expenditure—Vijai.

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Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai has demanded that the state government prioritise the wants and needs of Goans and ensure that 100% of oxygen requirements for Goa and Goans are met, amid rising cases and deaths in the state. Sardesai urged that priority must be given also for all COVID-19 related medical assistance before being offered to other states, and that the government should start approaching the crisis with foresight.

Vijai urged the government and health authorities to be vigilant and avoid diversion of oxygen supply to the Sindhudurg Hospital of Narayan Rane without catering to the needs of Goan hospitals. Sardesai said that certain hospitals and clinics across Goa have reported low oxygen supply and highlighted the importance of ensuring Goan oxygen requirements are met first.

Vijai Sardesai demanded that the Chief Minister and Health Minister call an all-party meeting immediately to discuss plans to enhance Goa’s health infrastructure. “Ever since the first wave of infections hit the state, we have been calling for urgent measures to ramp up our health infrastructure” said the former Deputy Chief Minister. According to Sardesai, the all-party meeting will work to bring “Goan unity in these testing times and provide the decisive leadership it desperately needs.” Vijai suggested that the meeting can be held via video conferencing and not necessarily be held in person.

Sardesai added, “Goa being a tourist hub, the govt should’ve anticipated the surge and worked proactively from the beginning to avoid the mess we are in now.” He pointed out that “Goa has some of the finest medical professionals working in the state at the GMC and other medical centres but need the necessary support and infrastructure for them to ensure that all Goans live a healthy and safe life.”

Vijai Sardesai also demanded an immediate stop to all unnecessary and wasteful expenditure towards Goa’s tourism promotion, and that the amount of over Rs. 28 crores budgeted for advertising should be diverted to augment Goa’s medical infrastructure and consequently to save Goan lives. “Spending on promotion and publicity for Goa tourism at present is thoughtless and counterproductive, and our only focus and priority at this moment must be to help and save Goans at all costs by providing 100% oxygen requirements, and through other healthcare services.” The GFP chief had earlier offered his office ‘Goemkar Ghor’ as a vaccine centre for all eligible Goans, as a gesture of cooperation.

Vijai Sardesai also asked the government to clarify the definition of the lockdown to avoid any confusion in the minds of the public. He said he is closely following the situation across the state and urged the people to stay calm and avoid going out unnecessarily even though essential services are being kept open. Sardesai suggested that only one member of the family go out to purchase essential goods required for four to five days. “We should do all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and must drastically limit our outdoor activities.” He reminded all Goans.

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