Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai met with Jyoti Kumari, the Salcette deputy collector along in a meeting called by the district administration along with other Salcete MLAs over COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation in the taluka . Sardesai said that “the state needs to direct immediate action to safeguard the citizens and residents of Goa.”
In the meeting Vijai suggested various recommendations and solutions to stop the rapid spread of infections and prioritizing Goans ensuring their comfort, safety and peace of mind. Sardesai said “Goa should show concern and empathy to those affected by the pandemic, as this is a sensitive time for the state.” He made note of numerous available places to establish vaccine centres across Fatorda including his office ‘Goemkar Ghor.’ Vijai said he hopes “the Chief Minister can push to prioritize the urgent need for vaccines in Goa, and to avoid delays which could lead to higher cases or deaths.”
A major point of the meeting was when Vijai Sardesai strongly proposed to the deputy collector to initiate a COVID command centre. Sardesai suggested that a mobile application or an online dashboard should be immediately made accessible to the people providing key information of hospital beds, oxygen supply, vaccine centres and any other COVID -19 resources. The GFP Chief stressed the importance of making data accessible to people rather than cause panic and fear and put people at the mercy of politicians who are keen to peddle political favours for the life saving requirements
Vijai also strongly recommended that the deputy collector make use of all resources available from the government to fight the pandemic. He said, “all available government resources and eligible employees should be used to help support the state and the people during these difficult times – whether it is driving ambulances or providing important information over the phone.” He said, “we have to act on this fast, smartly and effectively, if we don’t treat it like a war, we will lose. This is what a command centre does!”
Sardesai highlighted that “lack of government support prompts people to not report if they are positive, and that works counterproductive to stopping the spread.” Vijai also emphasized that it is the duty and responsibility of the deputy collector to ensure none of the government led COVID-19 efforts are politized under any party banner or logo. He pointed out that across Goa and even in his own constituency of Fatorda, certain individuals are flaunting party logos to promote state-wide COVID support. Vijai warned that “if COVID-led initiatives are politicised, it would be the responsibility of the deputy collector to implement action under the Epidemics Diseases Act, 1897, and the Disaster Management Act of 2005.”
Sardesai said “this is a time of unity, and not a party membership drive. At this moment we must be Goans first and only.”
Vijai Sardesai also urged Ms. Kumari to convey to the Govt she represents to ensure the government doesn’t unnecessarily spend money on tourism ads and should divert the Rs. 29 crores of proposed online marketing of Goa Tourism in support and help for the people and towards ramping up Goa’s medical infrastructure.
