Panaji, Jul 28 (IANS): The Congress in Goa on Tuesday demanded setting up of a high level panel of medical experts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic crisis in the state, which saw a record 258 cases reported on Monday alone.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji on Tuesday, Goa Congress spokesperson Trajano D'Mello said that the state government's efforts to address the pandemic appear to be failing in face of the rising number of cases, which now stand at 5,119. The state currently has 1,673 active cases.

"Why is the government on an ego trip? Its attempts to contain the pandemic have failed. At least now appoint a panel of doctors to look at the issue and draw up a comprehensive plan to tackle the viral menace," D'Mello said.

The Congress charge also comes a few days after the wife of Dr Edwin Gomes, a senior government doctor who had become the face of the state government's Covid-19 management efforts had petitioned the Bombay High Court in Goa, accusing the Health Ministry of not granting his leave, since the pandemic began.

The High Court, while disposing the petition, directed the government to "amicably settle" the issue.

D'Mello now says that not all is well with the Covid-19 management efforts of the government and added that even a Covid-19 frontline hero like Dr Gomes was being allegedly mistreated by the government.

"It is unacceptable that a Covid-19 frontline hero is being treated in such a way and his wife has to approach the Court to direct the government to sanction him some leave," D'Mello said.