After patiently waiting for so many years, the Bhumiputras of Ribandar whilst braving the pandemic held a public demonstration on October 2nd last year demanding the restoration of Health care facilities at our old historic Ribandar hospital.
Later, on 8th October local MLA Babush Monserrate solemnly promised us that the Health facilities would start in those premises as 30 bedded with a 24X7 Casualty cum Trauma unit equipped with all the required facilities and it would be expanded in stages to be a full-fledged Hospital. The MLA had assured us that it would be done ‘hook or by crook’. That same week Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had also assured us accordingly.
Now to our utter dismay Babush Monserrate is reportedly trying to take us for a ride by setting up a mere cosmetic day dispensary which is totally unacceptable as it will serve no purpose. Such an experiment was tried in the past by setting up a Health Post which failed miserably and had to be wound up.
The Chief Minister and the MLA are duty bound to deliver on promises made regarding medical facilities which would not only benefit Ribandar but also our fellow neighbouring Bhumiputras in Chimbel, Merces, Old Goa and on the Island of Divar.
It is hoped that better sense would prevail and not compel us to assemble once again on this Gandhi Jayanti to ensure that we the Bhumiputras rightfully get our great Hospital back in this 60th year of Goa’s Liberation.
The Father of our Nation is watching so we dare not be hoodwinked. We are the true Bhumiputras and not concocted ones.
