from Lenny Barretto in Panaji
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)

Panaji, Jul 10: It's alarming. The recent media reports have quoted that the malaria falciparum cases in Goa have crossed its unprecedented limit. A single month saw 600-odd such cases. The deadly diseases seem to be on the prowl and our government is doing nothing.

No blame game - but let's be practical. The recent elections threw up unexpected results and what we saw after the elections is something undigestable. Vishwajeet Rane, son of former Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane, is given the health department. The health department is one of the key sectors in the state.

Novice Vishwajeet, who has not the slightest idea about administration, is given such a huge responsibility. Will he be able to shoulder it?

At this moment, let's keep our judgement on the backburner. Let us give him more time to perform. Let's not just jump to the conclusion.

The new minister has a task upon his shoulders is to be eradicate the malaria and dangue cases. The alarming rise in the number of cases is proportionate to the rise in migrant labourers in the state.

The health cards and regular check on migrant labourers have become just a formality. No one seems to be bothered. The health department itself needs a thorough check-up. Will Dr Vishwajeet Rane take up this task ?

Much defamed by the BJP,  Rane Jr has an opportunity to prove himself. Will he?

The health problems in Goa are numerous. The floating population from Karnataka and Maharashtra who flock to the state's apex Goa medical college and hospital, is burdening the health infrastructure. Goa is taking all the load.

The state government needs to work out a policy in association with the neighbouring government wherein they should pay for their patients. For example, a patient from Maharashtra should be billed to the respective government.

But this requires political will... Will Dr Rane do it? Let's wait and watch.