The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has firmly recommended that the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) establish a 24×7 healthcare facility on Chorao Island, directing that the service be made fully operational within 90 days. As highlighted in 1000161148.jpg, the commission stressed the urgent necessity for round-the-clock medical attention, emphasizing that improved access to emergency healthcare is absolutely critical for the island’s residents. To ensure strict compliance with this directive, the rights panel has also formally called for an action taken report to be submitted by May 6.
This decisive intervention was triggered by a grievance filed by a local Chorao resident, who formally complained about the severe lack of a resident doctor at the government health centre during nighttime hours. The complaint detailed how the absence of immediate local medical care left vulnerable residents with no alternative but to undertake a ferry crossing in the dark to seek out medical assistance. Following the receipt of this alarming complaint last month, the GHRC promptly issued a formal notice to the DHS, pushing for an immediate and permanent healthcare resolution for the island.
In response to the commission’s inquiries, Dr. Urmila Gauns, the medical officer in charge of the primary health centre at Mayem, submitted records indicating that a proposal to set up the 24×7 emergency care centre was initiated in late January. The submitted plan seeks government approval for ₹21.7 lakh to cover capital expenditure and an additional ₹45 lakh to sustain operating expenses for the new centre. While the facility awaits financial approval and implementation, health officials noted that residents currently must rely on an on-call 108 ambulance and a 15-20 km road route via the Calvim bridge to access emergency services at the Mapusa district hospital.
