Body found on beach is not that of missing IT exec
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The decomposed body of a woman found on Candolim beach in June is not that of Meghna Subedar, a software engineer who had gone missing from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on April 11, DNA tests at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, have shown.
Meghna had quit her job in Bangalore on April 1 and was on her way home to Korba, Chhattisgarh. She had last withdrawn money from an ATM in Margao.
Reacting to the negative results, a relieved Mohan Subedar, Meghna’s father, who arrived with his wife in Goa on Thursday, said, “Now there is some hope for us. Our daughter is alive and we will continue searching for her. My wife has been fasting and we have been praying hard. God has answered our prayers.”
Meghna’s mother added, “We want our daughter back. We just hope that our daughter knows that we love her and are worried about her.”
Confirming the report, SP (North) Bosco George said, “Since the DNA samples don’t match, the body remains that of an unknown person for us and we will try to identify her.” The report also ascertained that the woman was not sexually assaulted, he said.
Meghna’s parents, who asked the Calangute police to conduct the DNA test, will go to Mumbai on Friday to pursue the missing person’s complaint registered with Mumbai police.
August 15, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, August 15, 2008
Mike Masala now free to return home
Mike Masala now free to return home
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Goa police have withdrawn the “look out circular” issued against prime witness in the Scarlett Keeling case, Michael Mannion, aka Mike Masala.
This follows a request from the CBI, which had taken over the case recently, to permit Mike to return home to England.
“We have received the CBI letter and withdrawn the circular against Mannion,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
The police had issued the circular on March 11, 2008. Mike had been demanding its withdrawal, stating that he had been detained unlawfully and against his wishes. “The lifting of the circular is a huge relief for the witness. His family was under tremendous stress,” Mike’s counsel Vikram Varma said.
August 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Goa police have withdrawn the “look out circular” issued against prime witness in the Scarlett Keeling case, Michael Mannion, aka Mike Masala.
This follows a request from the CBI, which had taken over the case recently, to permit Mike to return home to England.
“We have received the CBI letter and withdrawn the circular against Mannion,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
The police had issued the circular on March 11, 2008. Mike had been demanding its withdrawal, stating that he had been detained unlawfully and against his wishes. “The lifting of the circular is a huge relief for the witness. His family was under tremendous stress,” Mike’s counsel Vikram Varma said.
August 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Surveillance cameras across state
Surveillance cameras across state
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Unmanned surveillance cameras will be installed at sensitive places in Goa to ensure the safety and security of the citizens and tourists.
This is the latest security measure that the Goa government is planning and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) have been appointed as project management consultant for the project.
“This is part of state government’s good governance initiative and is aimed at monitoring vehicles passing through the checkposts. Besides, it would add to police surveillance and maintain a check on traffic movement in urban areas,” said IT secretary RP Pal.
The project would involve designing and building a comprehensive surveillance system, which would facilitate 24x7 monitoring of vehicular traffic and human movement, through the unmanned surveillance cameras installed at strategic places that are yet to be determined.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Unmanned surveillance cameras will be installed at sensitive places in Goa to ensure the safety and security of the citizens and tourists.
This is the latest security measure that the Goa government is planning and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) have been appointed as project management consultant for the project.
“This is part of state government’s good governance initiative and is aimed at monitoring vehicles passing through the checkposts. Besides, it would add to police surveillance and maintain a check on traffic movement in urban areas,” said IT secretary RP Pal.
The project would involve designing and building a comprehensive surveillance system, which would facilitate 24x7 monitoring of vehicular traffic and human movement, through the unmanned surveillance cameras installed at strategic places that are yet to be determined.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Noble gesture: Leander Paes proposes sports city for Goa
Noble gesture: Leander Paes proposes sports city for Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Indian Davis Cup team captain Leander Paes is planning to set up a sports medicine facility and a sports city in the state soon.
Paes has already met up with the health minister Vishwajeet Rane in this regard last week. Rane confirmed the meeting and said, “ A sports medicine facility and a sports city would be really beneficial to all sportspersons of the state of Goa.”
Rane said that he has already briefed the chief minister Digambar Kamat about the same. “Leander is a Goan who has achieved a name for himself in the international sphere and I think the government needs to help him in this endevour,” said Rane.
Leander Paes, India’s tennis pride was born in Goa on June 17, 1973 and brought up in Kolkata.
Leander’s father Dr Vece Paes is a well-known consultant for sports medicine to the Indian Davis Cup team and has extensive medical clinical and working experience. He has also been medical director and founder of different medical companies.
In recent times, injuries, both on and off the playfield, illness and accidents have been snuffing out many shining careers from the national sports horizon.
The sports city, if built in the state, would be the first of its kind in the state that may host a world-class medical facility, including a specialist in sports medicine together with a rehabilitation centre.
Rane said that the centre would help in training and treating exsiting sportspersons will also encourage upcoming sportspersons in the state. “However, the talks are at the initial stage and Leander will be coming back to the state in August with a complete proposal,” added Rane.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Indian Davis Cup team captain Leander Paes is planning to set up a sports medicine facility and a sports city in the state soon.
Paes has already met up with the health minister Vishwajeet Rane in this regard last week. Rane confirmed the meeting and said, “ A sports medicine facility and a sports city would be really beneficial to all sportspersons of the state of Goa.”
Rane said that he has already briefed the chief minister Digambar Kamat about the same. “Leander is a Goan who has achieved a name for himself in the international sphere and I think the government needs to help him in this endevour,” said Rane.
Leander Paes, India’s tennis pride was born in Goa on June 17, 1973 and brought up in Kolkata.
Leander’s father Dr Vece Paes is a well-known consultant for sports medicine to the Indian Davis Cup team and has extensive medical clinical and working experience. He has also been medical director and founder of different medical companies.
In recent times, injuries, both on and off the playfield, illness and accidents have been snuffing out many shining careers from the national sports horizon.
The sports city, if built in the state, would be the first of its kind in the state that may host a world-class medical facility, including a specialist in sports medicine together with a rehabilitation centre.
Rane said that the centre would help in training and treating exsiting sportspersons will also encourage upcoming sportspersons in the state. “However, the talks are at the initial stage and Leander will be coming back to the state in August with a complete proposal,” added Rane.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Property sold by bringing dead to life
Property sold by bringing dead to life
Power Of Attorney, Signatures And Documents Forged, Alleges Complainant
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: This is a land grab of an altogether different sort! A son in his complaint to the Mapusa police has alleged that a person prepared a false and fabricated power of attorney in his dead mother’s name with the sole intention to sell the property they own in Verla, Bardez.
The age was manipulated and the dead was shown as living.
Santana Franciso De Souza, who is working in Mumbai, in his complaint to the Mapusa police on July 9, 2008, said that one Sandesh Satelkar from Verla fraudently sold his property, admeasuring 250 sq mts, and caused undue loss to him.
“We get several complaints of this sort. Many people are
now forging Power of Attorney (PoA) in the name of dead persons and then registering the sale deed of the property, thereby duping the real owners of the property. When the real owners realise they are duped, they lodge a complaint,” said Mapusa PI C L Patil.
He said that the racket had come to light in 2007, when one Sidiqqui forged documents and prepared a power of attorney in a dead person’s name and sold off a large chunk of property in Tivim. The person is still absconding.
According to the complainant, there is a plot in survey number 49/3 at Verla, Bardez taluka, that is in his mother, Idaline Trinidade (who died at the age of 75), and aunt Claudine Trinidade’s name (who died at the age of 70).
Their names are mentioned in the occupants column in the form I and IV of Verla village. In his complaint, Santana said that while his mother expired in 1984 in Goa, his aunt expired on June 2, 1962, Satelkar from Verla prepared a Power of Attorney on November 11, 2006, which was executed in his dead mother and aunt’s name.
If the two persons were alive when the Power of Attorney was signed, Idaline would have been 99 years and Claudine would have been 94 years.
But their age was forged and they were shown as alive and in their sixties, residing at Parra and their property, according to the police complaint, was sold to one Riya Ramesh Satelkar by a sale deed on January 21, 2007, wherein it is stated that that the purchasers have approached the vendors with a request to sell their property for Rs 1 lakh.
In the PoA, which is allegedly signed by Idaline and Claudine, it is stated that on account of their personal difficulties, they are unable to attend to all matter concerning to their rights, interest and title in respect of the landed property and therefore have appointed Sandesh (23) to be their true and lawful attorney, also giving him powers to sign and execute all transfer or sale deed in respect of the landed property.
De Souza has lodged a complaint against Sandesh and the purchaser of the property, Ria Satelkar, for cheating and forgery, and alleged that the PoA is totally false and fabricated.
2008 Jul 16 Times Of India Goa
Power Of Attorney, Signatures And Documents Forged, Alleges Complainant
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: This is a land grab of an altogether different sort! A son in his complaint to the Mapusa police has alleged that a person prepared a false and fabricated power of attorney in his dead mother’s name with the sole intention to sell the property they own in Verla, Bardez.
The age was manipulated and the dead was shown as living.
Santana Franciso De Souza, who is working in Mumbai, in his complaint to the Mapusa police on July 9, 2008, said that one Sandesh Satelkar from Verla fraudently sold his property, admeasuring 250 sq mts, and caused undue loss to him.
“We get several complaints of this sort. Many people are
now forging Power of Attorney (PoA) in the name of dead persons and then registering the sale deed of the property, thereby duping the real owners of the property. When the real owners realise they are duped, they lodge a complaint,” said Mapusa PI C L Patil.
He said that the racket had come to light in 2007, when one Sidiqqui forged documents and prepared a power of attorney in a dead person’s name and sold off a large chunk of property in Tivim. The person is still absconding.
According to the complainant, there is a plot in survey number 49/3 at Verla, Bardez taluka, that is in his mother, Idaline Trinidade (who died at the age of 75), and aunt Claudine Trinidade’s name (who died at the age of 70).
Their names are mentioned in the occupants column in the form I and IV of Verla village. In his complaint, Santana said that while his mother expired in 1984 in Goa, his aunt expired on June 2, 1962, Satelkar from Verla prepared a Power of Attorney on November 11, 2006, which was executed in his dead mother and aunt’s name.
If the two persons were alive when the Power of Attorney was signed, Idaline would have been 99 years and Claudine would have been 94 years.
But their age was forged and they were shown as alive and in their sixties, residing at Parra and their property, according to the police complaint, was sold to one Riya Ramesh Satelkar by a sale deed on January 21, 2007, wherein it is stated that that the purchasers have approached the vendors with a request to sell their property for Rs 1 lakh.
In the PoA, which is allegedly signed by Idaline and Claudine, it is stated that on account of their personal difficulties, they are unable to attend to all matter concerning to their rights, interest and title in respect of the landed property and therefore have appointed Sandesh (23) to be their true and lawful attorney, also giving him powers to sign and execute all transfer or sale deed in respect of the landed property.
De Souza has lodged a complaint against Sandesh and the purchaser of the property, Ria Satelkar, for cheating and forgery, and alleged that the PoA is totally false and fabricated.
2008 Jul 16 Times Of India Goa
Alarmed Centre rushes malaria experts to Goa
Alarmed Centre rushes malaria experts to Goa
Team Collects Slides, Report Likely Within A Week
Preetu Nair & Kounteya Sinha TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji/New Delhi: Alarmed by suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, the Union health ministry on Thursday rushed a team of experts in vectorborne diseases to Goa.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, met doctors at Goa Medical College hospital and discussed the clinical and post-mortem aspects of the cases.
The team collected hystopathological slides and blood slides of a woman who died last week from suspected P-vivax infection. Blood slides of Sunil Kumar, a migrant labourer from Bihar who died in Vasco last week, were also taken.
Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. Vivax and falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally.
Dr A P Dash, director of ICMR’s Malaria Research Centre, who is heading the team, said, “We want to know whether P-vivax has actually started to kill people. We want to be prepared for its changing clinical profile.”
The team, which also includes Dr Neena Valecha from NIMR, is expected to submit its report within a week to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Dr Valecha said deaths due to P-vivax is a rare phenomenon. “So our investigations will focus on whether the deaths happened solely due to P-vivax infection or whether there was co-infection with P-falciparum. Now, because we are armed with better medicines to combat P-falciparum infections, its cases are going down.”
Dr R Wiseman Pinto, head department of pathology, Goa Medical College, said the team would be doing DNA studies of the parasite. “We have discussed the autopsy report and such cases are extremely rare,” he said.
The vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa who had died following multiple organ failure. It was because the woman’s death occurred within seven years of marriage
that it was treated as a medicolegal case and an autopsy was conducted. That is when the new vivax strain came to light.
“Though the woman didn’t get treatment on time for vivax, the parasite alone doesn’t kill. There are many people who suffer from chronic vivax malaria but don’t take treatment for years together and yet survive,” said Dr Pinto.
“The parasite detected in her body may have undergone mutation due to excessive exposure to insecticides, particularly sprays, repellents and creams,” said Pinto.
Dr Dipak Kabadi, deputy director of NVBDCP in Goa, said, “We also want to investigate whether the deaths occurred because of delayed treatment or because the vector is becoming dangerous.” WAR TO COMBAT MALARIA Officials warn against discarded tyres
Panaji: The state health authorities in a bid to control the outbreak of dengue and malaria this monsoon have dashed off letters to all municipal authorities and village panchayats to destroy discarded tyres in their jurisdiction.
Despite precautions taken by authorities, some places , including old discarded tyres, continued to be breeding grounds for the aedes mosquito that transmits yellow fever and dengue.
“Worn out tyres are left in the open. Most of them are found on roofs to hold plastic sheets together. Tyres are also found on roof tops of garages where water accumulates. We advise people to either keep them in safe places or cover them by making holes so that water doesn’t accumulate. We also request the municipality to dispose such tyres,” said Dr Pratima Thali, urban health officer, Mapusa.
In Panaji too, discarded tyres are a menace. “We wrote letters in April and May to the CCP to dispose tyres collected at the Hindu crematorium in St Inez. The mayor recently informed us that all the tyres were cleared by the CCP in six trucks,” said Dr Pradeep Korgaonker. The tyres are generally used to burn bodies. Several tyres however continue to lie at the crematorium. Health authorities have been asked to disclose the quantity of tyres amassed in the state as a Chennai-based firm is willing to collect the discarded tyres.“If the quantity is high, then the firm would be willing to collect tyres. We have already issued directions to health officials and municipal bodies to find out the quantum of discarded tyres. If the firm declines, we will make alternate arrangements,” said South Goa collector GP Naik.
Health officials said that most of the godowns used to house tyres have no roofs and old tyres stored there contain rainwater that helps breeding of mosquitoes. “Once water accumulates in the tyres, it is difficult to remove it, making the tyre a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said deputy director of Health Services Dr Dipak Kabadi. He brought up the issue during a meeting called by health minister Vishwajit Rane.
As per the Public Health Act, health officials can impose a fine of up to Rs 500 on anyone discarding tyres. However, the act is not being implemented strictly. This year, six persons have been detected with falciparum malaria in the state each day while in 2007 four people developed falcipharum malaria daily.
Cases of vivax malaria have doubled this year. While from January-June 2007 about 2883 cases of vivax were detected, in 2008, 4025 cases have already been reported. Besides, seven malaria-related deaths have also occurred.
Health authorities spread malaria awareness
Panaji: With the growing threat of malaria, health officials at the Urban Health Centre in Panaji are working round the clock to attend to those suffering from the disease.
Health workers have started door-to-door visits advising people not to allow stagnation of water in bottles, coconut shells and other waste. The health department’s antimalaria campaign is aimed at creating awareness among labourers and local residents. TNN
2008 Jul 18 Times Of India Goa
Team Collects Slides, Report Likely Within A Week
Preetu Nair & Kounteya Sinha TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji/New Delhi: Alarmed by suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, the Union health ministry on Thursday rushed a team of experts in vectorborne diseases to Goa.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, met doctors at Goa Medical College hospital and discussed the clinical and post-mortem aspects of the cases.
The team collected hystopathological slides and blood slides of a woman who died last week from suspected P-vivax infection. Blood slides of Sunil Kumar, a migrant labourer from Bihar who died in Vasco last week, were also taken.
Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. Vivax and falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally.
Dr A P Dash, director of ICMR’s Malaria Research Centre, who is heading the team, said, “We want to know whether P-vivax has actually started to kill people. We want to be prepared for its changing clinical profile.”
The team, which also includes Dr Neena Valecha from NIMR, is expected to submit its report within a week to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Dr Valecha said deaths due to P-vivax is a rare phenomenon. “So our investigations will focus on whether the deaths happened solely due to P-vivax infection or whether there was co-infection with P-falciparum. Now, because we are armed with better medicines to combat P-falciparum infections, its cases are going down.”
Dr R Wiseman Pinto, head department of pathology, Goa Medical College, said the team would be doing DNA studies of the parasite. “We have discussed the autopsy report and such cases are extremely rare,” he said.
The vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa who had died following multiple organ failure. It was because the woman’s death occurred within seven years of marriage
that it was treated as a medicolegal case and an autopsy was conducted. That is when the new vivax strain came to light.
“Though the woman didn’t get treatment on time for vivax, the parasite alone doesn’t kill. There are many people who suffer from chronic vivax malaria but don’t take treatment for years together and yet survive,” said Dr Pinto.
“The parasite detected in her body may have undergone mutation due to excessive exposure to insecticides, particularly sprays, repellents and creams,” said Pinto.
Dr Dipak Kabadi, deputy director of NVBDCP in Goa, said, “We also want to investigate whether the deaths occurred because of delayed treatment or because the vector is becoming dangerous.” WAR TO COMBAT MALARIA Officials warn against discarded tyres
Panaji: The state health authorities in a bid to control the outbreak of dengue and malaria this monsoon have dashed off letters to all municipal authorities and village panchayats to destroy discarded tyres in their jurisdiction.
Despite precautions taken by authorities, some places , including old discarded tyres, continued to be breeding grounds for the aedes mosquito that transmits yellow fever and dengue.
“Worn out tyres are left in the open. Most of them are found on roofs to hold plastic sheets together. Tyres are also found on roof tops of garages where water accumulates. We advise people to either keep them in safe places or cover them by making holes so that water doesn’t accumulate. We also request the municipality to dispose such tyres,” said Dr Pratima Thali, urban health officer, Mapusa.
In Panaji too, discarded tyres are a menace. “We wrote letters in April and May to the CCP to dispose tyres collected at the Hindu crematorium in St Inez. The mayor recently informed us that all the tyres were cleared by the CCP in six trucks,” said Dr Pradeep Korgaonker. The tyres are generally used to burn bodies. Several tyres however continue to lie at the crematorium. Health authorities have been asked to disclose the quantity of tyres amassed in the state as a Chennai-based firm is willing to collect the discarded tyres.“If the quantity is high, then the firm would be willing to collect tyres. We have already issued directions to health officials and municipal bodies to find out the quantum of discarded tyres. If the firm declines, we will make alternate arrangements,” said South Goa collector GP Naik.
Health officials said that most of the godowns used to house tyres have no roofs and old tyres stored there contain rainwater that helps breeding of mosquitoes. “Once water accumulates in the tyres, it is difficult to remove it, making the tyre a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said deputy director of Health Services Dr Dipak Kabadi. He brought up the issue during a meeting called by health minister Vishwajit Rane.
As per the Public Health Act, health officials can impose a fine of up to Rs 500 on anyone discarding tyres. However, the act is not being implemented strictly. This year, six persons have been detected with falciparum malaria in the state each day while in 2007 four people developed falcipharum malaria daily.
Cases of vivax malaria have doubled this year. While from January-June 2007 about 2883 cases of vivax were detected, in 2008, 4025 cases have already been reported. Besides, seven malaria-related deaths have also occurred.
Health authorities spread malaria awareness
Panaji: With the growing threat of malaria, health officials at the Urban Health Centre in Panaji are working round the clock to attend to those suffering from the disease.
Health workers have started door-to-door visits advising people not to allow stagnation of water in bottles, coconut shells and other waste. The health department’s antimalaria campaign is aimed at creating awareness among labourers and local residents. TNN
2008 Jul 18 Times Of India Goa
Public awareness vital to curb spread of malaria
Public awareness vital to curb spread of malaria
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: If you thought that only migrant labourers are responsible for the spread of malaria in the state, then its time to do some rethinking. Even as the level of knowledge about malaria, its symptoms, mode of transmission and breeding sites is quite high in Goa, the practices adopted for prevention and control of malaria is unsatisfactory. This despite the fact that the awareness regarding prevention and control of malaria was found satisfactory by majority of people, reveals a latest study.
The study, “Evaluation of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) During Anti-Malaria month in Goa, 2006” was conducted by the Goa Medical College’s department of Preventive and Social Medicine and submitted to the Directorate of Health Service in December 2007.
Explaining the purpose of the study, the report states, “BCC is an integrated process that involves linkage of advocacy, social mobilization through inter-sectoral convergence and communication efforts for enhancement of knowledge, beliefs, values and attitudes resulting in suitable practices at individual, family and societal levels.
This year the malaria menance has been huge and government has declared it is just short of terming it an epidemic. In 2008, six persons are detected with falcipharum malaria every day. In 2007, the
number of falcipharum cases was only four cases per day. Surprisingly, even the cases of people detected with vivax malaria has almost doubled this year. From January to June 2007, about 2883 cases of vivax malaria was detected, in 2008 already 4025 cases of vivax malaria have been detected. There has already been seven malaria related death.
A cross sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, practises of the beneficiaries of government’s Anti Malaria Month (AMM) campaign as regards to prevention and control of malaria in the state. Six villages and two wards were selected for the study. AMM was launched in Goa in the months of June and August 2006.
It has been recommended that more emphasis should be laid on intensive spraying of insecticides, wide use of larvivorous fish and insecticide treated bed nets.
“The most effective strategy to control malaria would be one based on personal protective measures, to be adopted on a mass scale. This calls for people’s active participation against malaria and its vector, which in turn would be dependent on empowering people with good working knowledge of the essentials of epidemiology of malaria,” the report states.
The report added, “The thinking still prevalent in the local community is that it (malaria) can spread through modes other than mosquito bites. Therefore, the first step would need to be an effective public awareness campaign and enable local bodies to run their own micro programmes for malaria control.”
2008 Jul 23 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: If you thought that only migrant labourers are responsible for the spread of malaria in the state, then its time to do some rethinking. Even as the level of knowledge about malaria, its symptoms, mode of transmission and breeding sites is quite high in Goa, the practices adopted for prevention and control of malaria is unsatisfactory. This despite the fact that the awareness regarding prevention and control of malaria was found satisfactory by majority of people, reveals a latest study.
The study, “Evaluation of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) During Anti-Malaria month in Goa, 2006” was conducted by the Goa Medical College’s department of Preventive and Social Medicine and submitted to the Directorate of Health Service in December 2007.
Explaining the purpose of the study, the report states, “BCC is an integrated process that involves linkage of advocacy, social mobilization through inter-sectoral convergence and communication efforts for enhancement of knowledge, beliefs, values and attitudes resulting in suitable practices at individual, family and societal levels.
This year the malaria menance has been huge and government has declared it is just short of terming it an epidemic. In 2008, six persons are detected with falcipharum malaria every day. In 2007, the
number of falcipharum cases was only four cases per day. Surprisingly, even the cases of people detected with vivax malaria has almost doubled this year. From January to June 2007, about 2883 cases of vivax malaria was detected, in 2008 already 4025 cases of vivax malaria have been detected. There has already been seven malaria related death.
A cross sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, practises of the beneficiaries of government’s Anti Malaria Month (AMM) campaign as regards to prevention and control of malaria in the state. Six villages and two wards were selected for the study. AMM was launched in Goa in the months of June and August 2006.
It has been recommended that more emphasis should be laid on intensive spraying of insecticides, wide use of larvivorous fish and insecticide treated bed nets.
“The most effective strategy to control malaria would be one based on personal protective measures, to be adopted on a mass scale. This calls for people’s active participation against malaria and its vector, which in turn would be dependent on empowering people with good working knowledge of the essentials of epidemiology of malaria,” the report states.
The report added, “The thinking still prevalent in the local community is that it (malaria) can spread through modes other than mosquito bites. Therefore, the first step would need to be an effective public awareness campaign and enable local bodies to run their own micro programmes for malaria control.”
2008 Jul 23 Times Of India Goa
Heart disease Goa’s biggest killer: Study
Heart disease Goa’s biggest killer: Study
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Majority of deaths in the state are related to lifestyle diseases. Of the six or seven persons who die in state everyday, majority die either due to cardio vascular ailments, diabetes or alcholic liver diseases.
Cardio vascular diseases continue to be the biggest killer, followed by infections, diabetes and alcoholic liver diseases. Meanwhile, people dying from accidents every year is as low as 10 percent, followed by cancers and respiratory tract diseases at 6 percent.
The good news is that while 20.7 percent patients admitted in the hospital died due to cardio vascular diseases in 2005, the percentage has come down to 18.6 percent in 2007. But the bad news is that death due to infections has gone up from 11.4 percent in 2005 to 16.7 percent in 2007 and people dying of diabetes in 2005 was 8.3 percent, while in 2007 was 12.2 percent.
Percentage of deaths due to alcoholic liver diseases and accidents has remain unchanged at 10 percent in the last three years. Meanwhile, the deaths due to respiratory tract diseases has come down from 6.9 percent in 2005 to 5.72 percent in 2007 and deaths due to cancer has shot up from 3.9 percent in 2005 to 5.5 percent in 2007.
This is revealed in a study conducted by the pathology department of GMC and is based on the deaths that occur at Goa medical college and hospital. These deaths are discussed in the monthly meetings held at GMC by doctors to ascertain the cause of death.
“Majority of deaths are due to lifestyle diseases. We need to create more awareness about lifestyle diseases amongst the population,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has conducted the study.
Explaining the type of cardiovascular diseases that kill people Dr Pinto said that hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and stroke are the most common factors. The infections that lead to a patients death are tuberculosis, HIV, viral infections, septicemia, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue and rabies and the alcholic liver disease death is caused mainly due to cirrhosis, hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic coma
The fact remains that most of these diseases are also linked with obesity and the doctors in the state had been insisting that obesity is a significant and growing diasease amongst Goans, terming it a ‘silent killer’. The percentage of women who are overweight or obese is 27 percent as compared to India’s 14.8 percent. Even men are not far behind. The percentage of Goan men who are obese or overweight is 20.8 percent as compared to India’s 12.1 percent, as reported in the Health Intelligence Bureau report, 2007, of the Directorate of Health Services.
“Prevention is better than cure. People need to give up their sedantary lifestyle and walk or exercise, avoid getting stressed, eat vegetarian food, avoid alcohol and smoking. Pollution caused due to mining is also a matter of concern,” said Dr Pinto.
2008 Jul 24 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Majority of deaths in the state are related to lifestyle diseases. Of the six or seven persons who die in state everyday, majority die either due to cardio vascular ailments, diabetes or alcholic liver diseases.
Cardio vascular diseases continue to be the biggest killer, followed by infections, diabetes and alcoholic liver diseases. Meanwhile, people dying from accidents every year is as low as 10 percent, followed by cancers and respiratory tract diseases at 6 percent.
The good news is that while 20.7 percent patients admitted in the hospital died due to cardio vascular diseases in 2005, the percentage has come down to 18.6 percent in 2007. But the bad news is that death due to infections has gone up from 11.4 percent in 2005 to 16.7 percent in 2007 and people dying of diabetes in 2005 was 8.3 percent, while in 2007 was 12.2 percent.
Percentage of deaths due to alcoholic liver diseases and accidents has remain unchanged at 10 percent in the last three years. Meanwhile, the deaths due to respiratory tract diseases has come down from 6.9 percent in 2005 to 5.72 percent in 2007 and deaths due to cancer has shot up from 3.9 percent in 2005 to 5.5 percent in 2007.
This is revealed in a study conducted by the pathology department of GMC and is based on the deaths that occur at Goa medical college and hospital. These deaths are discussed in the monthly meetings held at GMC by doctors to ascertain the cause of death.
“Majority of deaths are due to lifestyle diseases. We need to create more awareness about lifestyle diseases amongst the population,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has conducted the study.
Explaining the type of cardiovascular diseases that kill people Dr Pinto said that hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and stroke are the most common factors. The infections that lead to a patients death are tuberculosis, HIV, viral infections, septicemia, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue and rabies and the alcholic liver disease death is caused mainly due to cirrhosis, hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic coma
The fact remains that most of these diseases are also linked with obesity and the doctors in the state had been insisting that obesity is a significant and growing diasease amongst Goans, terming it a ‘silent killer’. The percentage of women who are overweight or obese is 27 percent as compared to India’s 14.8 percent. Even men are not far behind. The percentage of Goan men who are obese or overweight is 20.8 percent as compared to India’s 12.1 percent, as reported in the Health Intelligence Bureau report, 2007, of the Directorate of Health Services.
“Prevention is better than cure. People need to give up their sedantary lifestyle and walk or exercise, avoid getting stressed, eat vegetarian food, avoid alcohol and smoking. Pollution caused due to mining is also a matter of concern,” said Dr Pinto.
2008 Jul 24 Times Of India Goa
Teen clinics set up to monitor youth health
Teen clinics set up to monitor youth health
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As part of the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) programme in schools, the state government has started ‘teen clinics’ for teenagers who need medical help.
The government plans to set-up teen clinics in all health centers by 2010. Presently, teen clinics are functioning at five community health centres and 19 primary health centres.
The services for teenagers are absolutely free and they are given medical advise on sexual reproductive health, besides counselling.
“If need be, they are also treated. Any teenager between the age of 10 and 19 can seek treatment,” said Dr Pradeep Padwal, chief medical officer (family welfare), Directorate of Health Services.
There is no registeration fee for those who visit the clinic and no case paper is prepared.
This is to maintain the confidentiality of teenagers who visit the clinic. However, a register with the names of the youth is maintained by the clinic.
The clinics are held once a week. But getting students to the clinic has taken time.
“Medical officers, who visit the schools for medical e x a m i n at i o n , besides the young male and female teachers, have worked hard to start a dialogue with the youth. The teens discuss their problems with the doctor or teacher and if recommended they go to the teen clinic,” said Dr Padwal.
However, the number of teenagers visiting the teen clinics is not very impressive with about five teenagers visiting the clinic in a
week and sometimes even less.
Admitting that it is yet to gain popularity among the youth, Dr Padwal said that they are trying to spread information about the same by visiting schools and informing children about the ARSH and teen clinics. “We are also planning to conduct a survey to understand the teen perception about health and what they feel about it,” he said.
Besides taking the help of young teachers and doctors, the department is planning to start a helpline for teenagers. “The helpline would encourage the teenagers to talk openly as everything is private and confidential,” Dr Padwal added.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As part of the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) programme in schools, the state government has started ‘teen clinics’ for teenagers who need medical help.
The government plans to set-up teen clinics in all health centers by 2010. Presently, teen clinics are functioning at five community health centres and 19 primary health centres.
The services for teenagers are absolutely free and they are given medical advise on sexual reproductive health, besides counselling.
“If need be, they are also treated. Any teenager between the age of 10 and 19 can seek treatment,” said Dr Pradeep Padwal, chief medical officer (family welfare), Directorate of Health Services.
There is no registeration fee for those who visit the clinic and no case paper is prepared.
This is to maintain the confidentiality of teenagers who visit the clinic. However, a register with the names of the youth is maintained by the clinic.
The clinics are held once a week. But getting students to the clinic has taken time.
“Medical officers, who visit the schools for medical e x a m i n at i o n , besides the young male and female teachers, have worked hard to start a dialogue with the youth. The teens discuss their problems with the doctor or teacher and if recommended they go to the teen clinic,” said Dr Padwal.
However, the number of teenagers visiting the teen clinics is not very impressive with about five teenagers visiting the clinic in a
week and sometimes even less.
Admitting that it is yet to gain popularity among the youth, Dr Padwal said that they are trying to spread information about the same by visiting schools and informing children about the ARSH and teen clinics. “We are also planning to conduct a survey to understand the teen perception about health and what they feel about it,” he said.
Besides taking the help of young teachers and doctors, the department is planning to start a helpline for teenagers. “The helpline would encourage the teenagers to talk openly as everything is private and confidential,” Dr Padwal added.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Siolim woman died of plasmodium vivax: Report
MOSQUITO MENACE
Siolim woman died of plasmodium vivax: Report
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A new report has revealed that the woman from Siolim had died of extensive parasitemia of Plasmodium vivax parasite that had multiplied in the red blood cells and internal organs like the liver, kidney, spleen and the lining of the uterus that ultimately led to the destruction of the organs.
This report is based on the conclusion arrived at by the doctors after comparing the post-mortem pathological examination report conducted by Goa Medical College’s pathological department and the DNA test reports, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), conducted by a team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research.
“There was immunal suppression in the woman, due to which the white blood corpuscles (WBC) couldn’t act against the parasite,” said GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto.
Doctors after constantly studying the hystopathological slides and blood slides of the woman, who died from suspected P-vivax infection, realized that excess acid formation in the blood and tissue led to the growth of the parasite in the body. Even the NIMR report confirmed that the woman had died of P-vivax and they ruled out falciparum co-infection in the patient.
“Now it is not necessary that P-vivax with falciparum kills. But even P-vivax can kill. The woman died as the P-vivax parasite destroyed her organs as her immunity was low,” said Dr Pinto. Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. P-vivax and plasmodium falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally. With P-vivax’s changing clinical profile the doctors are now emphasizing on treatment and diagnosis.
So far deaths due to P-vivax are a rare. “The parasite and the insect has outwitted man. This case has brought to the focus that P-vivax can also affect the liver, kidney, spleen and even lungs, which were unheard of till now. But the parasite didn’t affect the brain or the heart,” added Dr Pinto. The P-vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa had died following multiple organ failure.
2008 Jul 29 Times Of India Goa
Siolim woman died of plasmodium vivax: Report
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A new report has revealed that the woman from Siolim had died of extensive parasitemia of Plasmodium vivax parasite that had multiplied in the red blood cells and internal organs like the liver, kidney, spleen and the lining of the uterus that ultimately led to the destruction of the organs.
This report is based on the conclusion arrived at by the doctors after comparing the post-mortem pathological examination report conducted by Goa Medical College’s pathological department and the DNA test reports, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), conducted by a team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research.
“There was immunal suppression in the woman, due to which the white blood corpuscles (WBC) couldn’t act against the parasite,” said GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto.
Doctors after constantly studying the hystopathological slides and blood slides of the woman, who died from suspected P-vivax infection, realized that excess acid formation in the blood and tissue led to the growth of the parasite in the body. Even the NIMR report confirmed that the woman had died of P-vivax and they ruled out falciparum co-infection in the patient.
“Now it is not necessary that P-vivax with falciparum kills. But even P-vivax can kill. The woman died as the P-vivax parasite destroyed her organs as her immunity was low,” said Dr Pinto. Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. P-vivax and plasmodium falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally. With P-vivax’s changing clinical profile the doctors are now emphasizing on treatment and diagnosis.
So far deaths due to P-vivax are a rare. “The parasite and the insect has outwitted man. This case has brought to the focus that P-vivax can also affect the liver, kidney, spleen and even lungs, which were unheard of till now. But the parasite didn’t affect the brain or the heart,” added Dr Pinto. The P-vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa had died following multiple organ failure.
2008 Jul 29 Times Of India Goa
An Afghani connection in Goa’s academic scene
An Afghani connection in Goa’s academic scene
Preetu Nair | TNN
Think Afghanistan, think citizens muted by conservative diktats and hardened by years of war. That is till you meet Zohar Ahmad Zoland and his brood of Afghani classmates.
Sitting in a classroom at the Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, on a not-so-bright Tuesday afternoon, the second year student and his fellow countrymen animatedly discuss everything from the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad to girls.
In 2005, there wasn’t a single Afghanistan-native who came to Goa on a student visa. Last year, 52 came on Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships. Some sought admissions on a self-finance basis.
Zoland is among those who bagged an ICCR scholarship.
“The problems in Afghanistan are blown out of proportion. The situation back home is as normal as the situation in India. Just like in India, in Afghanistan too in some places the scene is bad, especially, in those ar-eas that are adjacent to Pakistan,” he said.
Defending the education system in his country, he added that the quality of education is “not only good it is free”.
“Under the Taliban regime education was free for boys, under the present regime, education is free for both boys and girls,” said Zoland, insisting that he is in Goa only on account of the ICCR scholarship.
The students stay in groups of five or six in flats around the city. They also take private tuitions in English.
“Though English is taught as a subject from standard IV onwards in Afghanistan no one interacts in English and therefore we are not wellversed in the language. But now knowing English is the need of the hour,” said Nomyalai Farahi, a first year student with an eye on a degree in political science.
Farahi comes from a family of politicians in Afghanistan and is anxious to return to his country after bagging his college degree and “becoming a politician”.
His fellow classmates said they would like to return “to serve” their country after they earned their degrees.
“We support our government. They need us. We will return home,” said Jamsheed Samini, a first year student at Dhempe’s, hoping to bag a degree in economics.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Think Afghanistan, think citizens muted by conservative diktats and hardened by years of war. That is till you meet Zohar Ahmad Zoland and his brood of Afghani classmates.
Sitting in a classroom at the Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, on a not-so-bright Tuesday afternoon, the second year student and his fellow countrymen animatedly discuss everything from the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad to girls.
In 2005, there wasn’t a single Afghanistan-native who came to Goa on a student visa. Last year, 52 came on Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships. Some sought admissions on a self-finance basis.
Zoland is among those who bagged an ICCR scholarship.
“The problems in Afghanistan are blown out of proportion. The situation back home is as normal as the situation in India. Just like in India, in Afghanistan too in some places the scene is bad, especially, in those ar-eas that are adjacent to Pakistan,” he said.
Defending the education system in his country, he added that the quality of education is “not only good it is free”.
“Under the Taliban regime education was free for boys, under the present regime, education is free for both boys and girls,” said Zoland, insisting that he is in Goa only on account of the ICCR scholarship.
The students stay in groups of five or six in flats around the city. They also take private tuitions in English.
“Though English is taught as a subject from standard IV onwards in Afghanistan no one interacts in English and therefore we are not wellversed in the language. But now knowing English is the need of the hour,” said Nomyalai Farahi, a first year student with an eye on a degree in political science.
Farahi comes from a family of politicians in Afghanistan and is anxious to return to his country after bagging his college degree and “becoming a politician”.
His fellow classmates said they would like to return “to serve” their country after they earned their degrees.
“We support our government. They need us. We will return home,” said Jamsheed Samini, a first year student at Dhempe’s, hoping to bag a degree in economics.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Fewer couples in state opt for contraception
Fewer couples in state opt for contraception
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Interesting but true. In Goa, though all married women are aware of at least one method of contraception, only a few use it. Even the couple protection rate, calculated on the basis of those using various contraceptive methods, is lesser in Goa if one compares it to those of the rest of the country.
While only 62% of couples in Goa have ever used a contraceptive method, the couple protection rate by usage of all such methods as of March 2005 is only 36%, as compared to India’s 47%. Further, half of the currently married women use a modern method and 22% use traditional contraceptive methods.
The most commonly used methods are female sterilization (28%), followed by the condom (17%), rhythm method (15%), withdrawal (13%), and the pill (10%). Eight per cent used IUD.
This has been revealed in the health information of Goa 2007 report, published by the health intelligence bureau of the directorate of health services. The report states that the current use of method is lower among Christians than among Hindus and Muslims. In all the three religious groups, the use of modern methods is higher than that of traditional methods.
“People are being made aware of the contraceptive methods available from the government of India. However, the choice of using contraceptives rests entirely with the couple,” said the directorate of health services’ chief medical officer (family welfare) Dr Pradeep Padwal.
However, not everyone agrees with the official figures. “I don’t think that government reports are reliable. People may not admit to using contraceptives because of personal reasons. But the low birth rate in the state definitely points to a wider use of contraceptives than the one pointed out by government figures,” said gynaecologist Dr Eugene D’Silva.
As per the report, the percentage of couples adopting tubectomy (female sterlization) is 99.6%, higher than the all-India percentage of 96.5%. However, vasectomy (male sterlization) is not popular with less than one per cent adopting the method.
Interestingly, of the 25 men who had a vasectomy done in 2004-05, 18 are from rural areas and their wives are illiterate. Literate women appear to prefer tubectomy.
Sources in the health department said that they are now working to increase the proportion of male sterilization from the current one percent to 20% by 2015.
Even the national family health survey-2 states that female sterilization is the most widely known method of contraception, followed by the pill. Overall 99% of married women know about female sterilization and 90% know about the pill.
Knowledge of the other sponsored methods (IUD, male sterilization, and condom) are lesser used. The condom is known by 87%, IUD by 80% and male sterilization by 77% of women. A majority of married women know at least one traditional method (57%).
Family planning methods and services are provided primarily through a network of government hospitals and urban family welfare centers in urban areas and primary health centers and sub centers in rural areas. Besides, private hospitals and clinics, as well as NGOs provide family planning services. Sterilization camps are also regularly organized.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Interesting but true. In Goa, though all married women are aware of at least one method of contraception, only a few use it. Even the couple protection rate, calculated on the basis of those using various contraceptive methods, is lesser in Goa if one compares it to those of the rest of the country.
While only 62% of couples in Goa have ever used a contraceptive method, the couple protection rate by usage of all such methods as of March 2005 is only 36%, as compared to India’s 47%. Further, half of the currently married women use a modern method and 22% use traditional contraceptive methods.
The most commonly used methods are female sterilization (28%), followed by the condom (17%), rhythm method (15%), withdrawal (13%), and the pill (10%). Eight per cent used IUD.
This has been revealed in the health information of Goa 2007 report, published by the health intelligence bureau of the directorate of health services. The report states that the current use of method is lower among Christians than among Hindus and Muslims. In all the three religious groups, the use of modern methods is higher than that of traditional methods.
“People are being made aware of the contraceptive methods available from the government of India. However, the choice of using contraceptives rests entirely with the couple,” said the directorate of health services’ chief medical officer (family welfare) Dr Pradeep Padwal.
However, not everyone agrees with the official figures. “I don’t think that government reports are reliable. People may not admit to using contraceptives because of personal reasons. But the low birth rate in the state definitely points to a wider use of contraceptives than the one pointed out by government figures,” said gynaecologist Dr Eugene D’Silva.
As per the report, the percentage of couples adopting tubectomy (female sterlization) is 99.6%, higher than the all-India percentage of 96.5%. However, vasectomy (male sterlization) is not popular with less than one per cent adopting the method.
Interestingly, of the 25 men who had a vasectomy done in 2004-05, 18 are from rural areas and their wives are illiterate. Literate women appear to prefer tubectomy.
Sources in the health department said that they are now working to increase the proportion of male sterilization from the current one percent to 20% by 2015.
Even the national family health survey-2 states that female sterilization is the most widely known method of contraception, followed by the pill. Overall 99% of married women know about female sterilization and 90% know about the pill.
Knowledge of the other sponsored methods (IUD, male sterilization, and condom) are lesser used. The condom is known by 87%, IUD by 80% and male sterilization by 77% of women. A majority of married women know at least one traditional method (57%).
Family planning methods and services are provided primarily through a network of government hospitals and urban family welfare centers in urban areas and primary health centers and sub centers in rural areas. Besides, private hospitals and clinics, as well as NGOs provide family planning services. Sterilization camps are also regularly organized.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
French docs seek information on P-vivax deaths in Goa
French docs seek information on P-vivax deaths in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The two suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite in Goa have not only alarmed the Union health ministry, but also the French health authorities, especially since several French tourists visit Goa every year.
The doctors from France’s national public health institute, “Institut de Veille Sanitaire,” recently wrote to the Goa Medical College’s pathology department head asking for information regarding the current situation of P-vivax deaths in Goa as there are “exchanges between France and your country (India), especially in the Goa area”.
Besides, they said that they would like to be informed about epidemics worldwide which may have a public health impact on French nationals or any person living in France.
Thousands of French tourists visit sun kissed Goa every year. GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto confirmed that he has received the letter.
He said, “Generally deaths due to P-vivax don’t occur, but given the past few incidents it has now become a matter of concern for doctors worldwide”.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria
Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, has also confirmed that the two deaths in Goa have occurred due to P-vivax.
When TOI contacted officials at Institut de Veille Sanitaire, they downplayed it stating that they “don’t foresee a significant public health impact on French nationals visiting Goa”.
“French guidelines for prevention of malaria in travellers recommend malaria prophylaxis when visiting India in general. Therefore, French tourists visiting India — and Goa in particular — and who follow recommendations for preventing malaria and other vectorborne diseases can serenely
enjoy their stay,” informed Dr Arnaud Tarantola, Département International et Tropical, Institut de Veille Sanitaire, France.
Dr Tarantola added, “Scientific research on P-vivax malaria is important as it helps to ascertain emerging trends, foresee complications or guide treatment in endemic settings or in tourists returning from P- vivax-endemic areas, who did not observe recommendations”.
In French territories, malaria is prevalent in French Guyana (located on the South American continent and bordering Surinam and Brazil) and in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian ocean located near Madagascar.
Even as P-vivax prevails in French Guyana and P-falciparum in Mayotte, malaria has been successfully eliminated in several other territories.
People from the tourism sector in Goa have also woken up to the need to keep their surroundings clean and destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
“All our members have been asked to keep their property and surrounding areas clean. Besides, they have been asked to clean contaminated ponds in their vicinity to ensure that Goa is clean and safe for tourists and locals,” added Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Ralph de Souza.
2008 Jul 31 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The two suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite in Goa have not only alarmed the Union health ministry, but also the French health authorities, especially since several French tourists visit Goa every year.
The doctors from France’s national public health institute, “Institut de Veille Sanitaire,” recently wrote to the Goa Medical College’s pathology department head asking for information regarding the current situation of P-vivax deaths in Goa as there are “exchanges between France and your country (India), especially in the Goa area”.
Besides, they said that they would like to be informed about epidemics worldwide which may have a public health impact on French nationals or any person living in France.
Thousands of French tourists visit sun kissed Goa every year. GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto confirmed that he has received the letter.
He said, “Generally deaths due to P-vivax don’t occur, but given the past few incidents it has now become a matter of concern for doctors worldwide”.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria
Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, has also confirmed that the two deaths in Goa have occurred due to P-vivax.
When TOI contacted officials at Institut de Veille Sanitaire, they downplayed it stating that they “don’t foresee a significant public health impact on French nationals visiting Goa”.
“French guidelines for prevention of malaria in travellers recommend malaria prophylaxis when visiting India in general. Therefore, French tourists visiting India — and Goa in particular — and who follow recommendations for preventing malaria and other vectorborne diseases can serenely
enjoy their stay,” informed Dr Arnaud Tarantola, Département International et Tropical, Institut de Veille Sanitaire, France.
Dr Tarantola added, “Scientific research on P-vivax malaria is important as it helps to ascertain emerging trends, foresee complications or guide treatment in endemic settings or in tourists returning from P- vivax-endemic areas, who did not observe recommendations”.
In French territories, malaria is prevalent in French Guyana (located on the South American continent and bordering Surinam and Brazil) and in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian ocean located near Madagascar.
Even as P-vivax prevails in French Guyana and P-falciparum in Mayotte, malaria has been successfully eliminated in several other territories.
People from the tourism sector in Goa have also woken up to the need to keep their surroundings clean and destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
“All our members have been asked to keep their property and surrounding areas clean. Besides, they have been asked to clean contaminated ponds in their vicinity to ensure that Goa is clean and safe for tourists and locals,” added Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Ralph de Souza.
2008 Jul 31 Times Of India Goa
Russian at IPHB refuses to leave Goa
Russian at IPHB refuses to leave Goa
Says He Loves India And Won’t Go Back Even Though His Visa Expired In Sept 2007
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A 28-year-old Russian has the Russian consulate in Mumbai and the Goa government in a quandary as he “refuses to leave Goa because he loves India”.
However, his Goa junket may just be cut short as his visa has expired and the Russian consulate plans to pack him off to Russia for psychiatric treatment. Alexander’s visa expired in September 2007.
Alexander (name changed) was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) on June 11, 2008.
Sources at the IPHB reveal that he constantly insists on staying in Goa. The sources also added that when the Russian counsulate’s legal counsel in Goa visited him (Alexander) recently, he refused to entertain the lawyer.
“He feels that the lawyer wants to send him back to Russia. Besides, he keeps saying “Satya meva jayate. Mera Bharat mahan”, the sources said.
“We are looking into the matter and hope that after due clearance from the Goa government we can take him back to Russia where he can continue his treatment,” said counsel for the Russian consulate in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
IPHB medical superintendent B S Cuncoliencar said, “This is the third time that he has been admitted to the hospital. Whenever he recovers we discharge him and advise him that he is fit to return to Russia but he refuses to go. It appears that he wants to stay in Goa.”
The hospital authorities have also written to the foreigners’ registration office (FRO) informing them about the patient’s condition and requesting them to inform the Russian consulate.
Alexander was admitted to the IPHB following a complaint from the Calangute police that an “unknown male, appearing to be a foreigner giving all vague answers, of unsound mind was wandering in the market and creating a nuisance in public places.”
He was first picked up by the Mapusa police for being a “public nuisance” and admitted to the IPHB in March 2008 for almost 25 days.
Later in April he was picked up again by the police and sent to the IPHB where he was treated for almost 20 days.
Doctors at the IPHB have diagnosed the illness as substance induced psychotic disorder. However, Alexander has now recovered.
They also opined that Alexander is now “fit for discharge” from the IPHB but needs to follow up with a mental health professional on a regular basis.
2008 Aug 06 Times Of India Goa
Says He Loves India And Won’t Go Back Even Though His Visa Expired In Sept 2007
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A 28-year-old Russian has the Russian consulate in Mumbai and the Goa government in a quandary as he “refuses to leave Goa because he loves India”.
However, his Goa junket may just be cut short as his visa has expired and the Russian consulate plans to pack him off to Russia for psychiatric treatment. Alexander’s visa expired in September 2007.
Alexander (name changed) was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) on June 11, 2008.
Sources at the IPHB reveal that he constantly insists on staying in Goa. The sources also added that when the Russian counsulate’s legal counsel in Goa visited him (Alexander) recently, he refused to entertain the lawyer.
“He feels that the lawyer wants to send him back to Russia. Besides, he keeps saying “Satya meva jayate. Mera Bharat mahan”, the sources said.
“We are looking into the matter and hope that after due clearance from the Goa government we can take him back to Russia where he can continue his treatment,” said counsel for the Russian consulate in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
IPHB medical superintendent B S Cuncoliencar said, “This is the third time that he has been admitted to the hospital. Whenever he recovers we discharge him and advise him that he is fit to return to Russia but he refuses to go. It appears that he wants to stay in Goa.”
The hospital authorities have also written to the foreigners’ registration office (FRO) informing them about the patient’s condition and requesting them to inform the Russian consulate.
Alexander was admitted to the IPHB following a complaint from the Calangute police that an “unknown male, appearing to be a foreigner giving all vague answers, of unsound mind was wandering in the market and creating a nuisance in public places.”
He was first picked up by the Mapusa police for being a “public nuisance” and admitted to the IPHB in March 2008 for almost 25 days.
Later in April he was picked up again by the police and sent to the IPHB where he was treated for almost 20 days.
Doctors at the IPHB have diagnosed the illness as substance induced psychotic disorder. However, Alexander has now recovered.
They also opined that Alexander is now “fit for discharge” from the IPHB but needs to follow up with a mental health professional on a regular basis.
2008 Aug 06 Times Of India Goa
Order on foreigners’ panchanamas flouted
Order on foreigners’ panchanamas flouted
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Shocked by the manner in which a police officer carried out the inquest panchanama of the body of a foreign national, on December 15, 1997, the then top boss of the Goa police passed an order stating that in the event of a death of a foreign national, the panchanama had to be only handled by the concerned sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) or a supervisory officer - not below the rank of police inspector.
However, till date, the instructions have only remained on paper and have not been followed. Information available with TOI reveals that despite the circular issued by IGP P R S Brar in 1997, several senior officers allowed their juniors, some of them probationary officers, to conduct the inquest panchanamas.
These facts have come to light following documents made available by the government under the Right To Information Act. The documents reveal that from 1998 to 2007, about 177 inquest panchanamas relating to foreigners, under section 174 of CrPC, were conducted by PSIs and even probationary PSIs.
Despite strict instructions, in the last ten years, 69 unnatural deaths of foreigners in Calangute, 33 in Anjuna, 20 in Panaji, 5 in Porvorim, 17 in Mapusa, 21 in Colva, 2 in Canacona, 7 in Vasco, 2 in Verna and one in Cuncolim, were handled by PSIs.
“The very fact that the circular has been issued means that you shouldn’t be violating it, and the officer who is violating it is doing it at his own risk,” said SP (North) Bosco George. Echoing SP George’s views, SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “It is mandatory for the officer in-charge of the police station to follow the circular and take action accordingly.”
The IGP had passed the order after a police officer was implicated in a criminal case for alleged encashment of traveller cheques belonging to a dead foreigner. These cheques were reportedly taken into custody by the officer while conducting the inquest panchanama. The IGP had then observed that “such attitude of the officer is highly objectionable and had tarnished the image of police department”.
In order to avoid such malpractices, the IGP issued an order that henceforth whenever any information relating to death of a foreign national is received at the police station, prompt information must be given to the concerned SDPO/supervisory officer before proceeding to the spot, and the inquest panchanama and inventory of the personal belongings of the deceased foreigner be made in the presence of SDPO. The concerned SDPO also had to closely supervise the investigation in such cases till the case was disposed off. All officers in-charge of police stations were directed to comply strictly with the instructions and were warned that any deviation of these instructions would be viewed seriously.
It is only after 10 years, IGP Brar’s circular gained significance, following the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling at Anjuna beach.
It may be recalled that PSI Nerlon Albuquerque, officerin-charge of Anjuna police station, was dismissed because he adopted a callous attitude and sent a probationary PSI to conduct the inquest panchnama of Scarlett’s body.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Shocked by the manner in which a police officer carried out the inquest panchanama of the body of a foreign national, on December 15, 1997, the then top boss of the Goa police passed an order stating that in the event of a death of a foreign national, the panchanama had to be only handled by the concerned sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) or a supervisory officer - not below the rank of police inspector.
However, till date, the instructions have only remained on paper and have not been followed. Information available with TOI reveals that despite the circular issued by IGP P R S Brar in 1997, several senior officers allowed their juniors, some of them probationary officers, to conduct the inquest panchanamas.
These facts have come to light following documents made available by the government under the Right To Information Act. The documents reveal that from 1998 to 2007, about 177 inquest panchanamas relating to foreigners, under section 174 of CrPC, were conducted by PSIs and even probationary PSIs.
Despite strict instructions, in the last ten years, 69 unnatural deaths of foreigners in Calangute, 33 in Anjuna, 20 in Panaji, 5 in Porvorim, 17 in Mapusa, 21 in Colva, 2 in Canacona, 7 in Vasco, 2 in Verna and one in Cuncolim, were handled by PSIs.
“The very fact that the circular has been issued means that you shouldn’t be violating it, and the officer who is violating it is doing it at his own risk,” said SP (North) Bosco George. Echoing SP George’s views, SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “It is mandatory for the officer in-charge of the police station to follow the circular and take action accordingly.”
The IGP had passed the order after a police officer was implicated in a criminal case for alleged encashment of traveller cheques belonging to a dead foreigner. These cheques were reportedly taken into custody by the officer while conducting the inquest panchanama. The IGP had then observed that “such attitude of the officer is highly objectionable and had tarnished the image of police department”.
In order to avoid such malpractices, the IGP issued an order that henceforth whenever any information relating to death of a foreign national is received at the police station, prompt information must be given to the concerned SDPO/supervisory officer before proceeding to the spot, and the inquest panchanama and inventory of the personal belongings of the deceased foreigner be made in the presence of SDPO. The concerned SDPO also had to closely supervise the investigation in such cases till the case was disposed off. All officers in-charge of police stations were directed to comply strictly with the instructions and were warned that any deviation of these instructions would be viewed seriously.
It is only after 10 years, IGP Brar’s circular gained significance, following the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling at Anjuna beach.
It may be recalled that PSI Nerlon Albuquerque, officerin-charge of Anjuna police station, was dismissed because he adopted a callous attitude and sent a probationary PSI to conduct the inquest panchnama of Scarlett’s body.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Yemeni students in city under Goa police scanner
Yemeni students in city under Goa police scanner
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An institute teaching foreign students how to speak better English shouldn’t be a security concern. But then again schools teaching students how to fly planes wasn’t in the pre-9/11 era. The fact that there is an institute in Goa’s capital city with 42 Yemenese students, all with poor attendance record, has security agencies alarmed in the in the wake of the consecutive serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Police say the presence of so many students with “dodgy” credentials from a country known to have contributed substantial number of footsoldiers to Al-Qaida’s jehad is worrying, but the school authorities, while admitting that 42 of the 44 students were from Yemen, say there is nothing illegal or alarming about it.
However, Goa police have written to various state government authorities as well as the Goa University drawing their attention to the functioning of ‘Fluency Academy’ located in a commercial building on 18th June Road.
“We are verifying to ensure that there is no terrorist angle. Things are not in order in the institute and we want to be sure that it is not a front for any terrorist organisation. Prevention is better than cure,” North Goa SP Bosco George told TOI.
Police officials said that this is perhaps the first instance of its kind where Arabs are coming on student visas to study in an educational institute that is not recognized by any government or university body. All the institute has is a trade license from the Corporation of City of Panaji. Even that licence, obtained on November 30, 2007, expired on March 31, 2008. The Panaji police have now written to the CCP asking to explain on what basis the CCP gave the license to the institute. ‘Yemeni students have very poor attendance’
Panaji: A private institute in Panaji which has 42 Yemeni students is under the police scanner.
The institute is not recognized by the government, not affiliated to any university. Yemen is known to have sent a number of terrorists for Al-Qaida’s jehad.
“They have not obtained any NOC from the state government nor has Goa University issued any affiliation to the institute. Such institutes operating in the state are a big problem and we are trying to put a mechanism in place to keep a check on such institutes,” said director of higher education Bhaskar Nayak.
Fluency Academy runs three courses to “teach English”.
They are of three months, six months and nine months duration and the fee is just Rs 1,000 a month apart from Rs 600 for registration.
Panaji police inspector Francis Corte said they had
checked the attendance of the 42 Yemenese students and found them to be “very poor”.
The police are now probing what these students have been up to.
“With the increasing threat perception in the state, we want to be sure that these students are really here to study,” he said.
Corte tried to downplay the alarm in security circles saying it was just a “a preventive exercise”.
He, however, added that the police were in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
The police started probing the institute after they received a letter from the consul of Saudi Arabia stating that the number of Saudis and other foreign nationals residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been applying for grant of student visas to learn the English language on the basis of certificates issued by Fluency Academy.
Director of the institute, Nashima Beig, said, “We have 44 students, of which 42 are from Yemen and two from India.”
She denied her students were a security threat and claimed that somebody was trying to ruin the institute’s reputation.
“Our institute is legal and we issue diploma certificates to the students after they finish the course. We have recently applied to CCP for renewal of the license and also to the state government for recognition,” added Beig.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An institute teaching foreign students how to speak better English shouldn’t be a security concern. But then again schools teaching students how to fly planes wasn’t in the pre-9/11 era. The fact that there is an institute in Goa’s capital city with 42 Yemenese students, all with poor attendance record, has security agencies alarmed in the in the wake of the consecutive serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Police say the presence of so many students with “dodgy” credentials from a country known to have contributed substantial number of footsoldiers to Al-Qaida’s jehad is worrying, but the school authorities, while admitting that 42 of the 44 students were from Yemen, say there is nothing illegal or alarming about it.
However, Goa police have written to various state government authorities as well as the Goa University drawing their attention to the functioning of ‘Fluency Academy’ located in a commercial building on 18th June Road.
“We are verifying to ensure that there is no terrorist angle. Things are not in order in the institute and we want to be sure that it is not a front for any terrorist organisation. Prevention is better than cure,” North Goa SP Bosco George told TOI.
Police officials said that this is perhaps the first instance of its kind where Arabs are coming on student visas to study in an educational institute that is not recognized by any government or university body. All the institute has is a trade license from the Corporation of City of Panaji. Even that licence, obtained on November 30, 2007, expired on March 31, 2008. The Panaji police have now written to the CCP asking to explain on what basis the CCP gave the license to the institute. ‘Yemeni students have very poor attendance’
Panaji: A private institute in Panaji which has 42 Yemeni students is under the police scanner.
The institute is not recognized by the government, not affiliated to any university. Yemen is known to have sent a number of terrorists for Al-Qaida’s jehad.
“They have not obtained any NOC from the state government nor has Goa University issued any affiliation to the institute. Such institutes operating in the state are a big problem and we are trying to put a mechanism in place to keep a check on such institutes,” said director of higher education Bhaskar Nayak.
Fluency Academy runs three courses to “teach English”.
They are of three months, six months and nine months duration and the fee is just Rs 1,000 a month apart from Rs 600 for registration.
Panaji police inspector Francis Corte said they had
checked the attendance of the 42 Yemenese students and found them to be “very poor”.
The police are now probing what these students have been up to.
“With the increasing threat perception in the state, we want to be sure that these students are really here to study,” he said.
Corte tried to downplay the alarm in security circles saying it was just a “a preventive exercise”.
He, however, added that the police were in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
The police started probing the institute after they received a letter from the consul of Saudi Arabia stating that the number of Saudis and other foreign nationals residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been applying for grant of student visas to learn the English language on the basis of certificates issued by Fluency Academy.
Director of the institute, Nashima Beig, said, “We have 44 students, of which 42 are from Yemen and two from India.”
She denied her students were a security threat and claimed that somebody was trying to ruin the institute’s reputation.
“Our institute is legal and we issue diploma certificates to the students after they finish the course. We have recently applied to CCP for renewal of the license and also to the state government for recognition,” added Beig.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
‘I’m not secure with cops’
‘I’m not secure with cops’
Monserrate Still Sore With Police, Refuses Security Cover
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The cold war between Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate and the Goa police refuses to die down. On Tuesday night, the newly swornin minister dismissed the policemen sent to protect him.
“I don’t want police security. I will ask for it when I want it,” Monserrate said. The police, according to protocol, had sent a team—a personal security officer and an armed guard comprising a head constable and three police constables—to Monserrate’s residence soon after he was sworn in as minister. SP (security) Tony Fernandes confirmed that Monserrate has refused police security. “As he said he did not want police cover, we have referred the matter to our superiors,” he said.
Explaining his refusal to accept police security, Monserrate said, “I am not secure with the police. I am hurt for the wrong things they did to me and my family.”
He was referring to the police action that followed against him and his family after he and his supporters attacked Panaji police station on February 19, 2008. “This scar will never be wiped out from my mind and I will never forget what happened to my family. After the incident, I look at every policeman suspiciously.”
After 32 of their colleagues were injured, the police had filed an FIR against 524 people, including Monserrate and his wife, for attempt to murder. They then rushed to Monserrate’s house and ransacked it, beat up his minor son and arrested the MLA and his wife. Since then, his ties with the police have been strained. Babush’s induction affects police morale
Panaji: Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate believes he had done nothing wrong in attacking the Panaji police station in 2008.
DGP B S Brar had called the attack on the police station “preplanned”. Since then, relations between the police and Monserrate have been strained. Itis pertinent to note that during his earlier stint as a minister, Monserrate did have police security.
“I have not done any harm to anyone and don’t need police protection. Even when I had security persons, I rarely used them,” he added.
Privately, many cops admit that they are enraged and shocked by Monserrate’s induction in the cabinet. Officials admit that Monserrate is unforgiving and can be brutal when in power.
“This has really affected the morale of several policemen and they are obviously worried,” said a senior official. Monserrate to get education, archives
Chief minister Digambar Kamat confirmed that Monserrate would be allotted the portfolios of Education, Technical Education and Archives and Archaeology. Of the three, Kamat currently holds Education and Archives and Archeology, while Technical Education was held by Dayanand Narvekar. The formal handover of portfolios is expected after the assembly session beginning on August 18.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Monserrate Still Sore With Police, Refuses Security Cover
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The cold war between Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate and the Goa police refuses to die down. On Tuesday night, the newly swornin minister dismissed the policemen sent to protect him.
“I don’t want police security. I will ask for it when I want it,” Monserrate said. The police, according to protocol, had sent a team—a personal security officer and an armed guard comprising a head constable and three police constables—to Monserrate’s residence soon after he was sworn in as minister. SP (security) Tony Fernandes confirmed that Monserrate has refused police security. “As he said he did not want police cover, we have referred the matter to our superiors,” he said.
Explaining his refusal to accept police security, Monserrate said, “I am not secure with the police. I am hurt for the wrong things they did to me and my family.”
He was referring to the police action that followed against him and his family after he and his supporters attacked Panaji police station on February 19, 2008. “This scar will never be wiped out from my mind and I will never forget what happened to my family. After the incident, I look at every policeman suspiciously.”
After 32 of their colleagues were injured, the police had filed an FIR against 524 people, including Monserrate and his wife, for attempt to murder. They then rushed to Monserrate’s house and ransacked it, beat up his minor son and arrested the MLA and his wife. Since then, his ties with the police have been strained. Babush’s induction affects police morale
Panaji: Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate believes he had done nothing wrong in attacking the Panaji police station in 2008.
DGP B S Brar had called the attack on the police station “preplanned”. Since then, relations between the police and Monserrate have been strained. Itis pertinent to note that during his earlier stint as a minister, Monserrate did have police security.
“I have not done any harm to anyone and don’t need police protection. Even when I had security persons, I rarely used them,” he added.
Privately, many cops admit that they are enraged and shocked by Monserrate’s induction in the cabinet. Officials admit that Monserrate is unforgiving and can be brutal when in power.
“This has really affected the morale of several policemen and they are obviously worried,” said a senior official. Monserrate to get education, archives
Chief minister Digambar Kamat confirmed that Monserrate would be allotted the portfolios of Education, Technical Education and Archives and Archaeology. Of the three, Kamat currently holds Education and Archives and Archeology, while Technical Education was held by Dayanand Narvekar. The formal handover of portfolios is expected after the assembly session beginning on August 18.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Anchors of hope...and rightly so
Anchors of hope...and rightly so
Preetu Nair
meets a group of women who bring hope to the needy and disadvantaged by just giving them some love and attention
What does an old lady who has almost everything, but no one to talk to need? A listener. What does an innocent child, who has no one to call his own in the world pray for? A mate. What does a brilliant student, who has no money to continue education dream off ? A donor.
a listener, a mate, a donor, each is anchor of hope for the disadvantaged. And that, an anchor of hope, is exactly what a group of women aspire to be.
Elegant, yet simple Deanne D’Souza (43) from Caranzalem is the brain behind the five-year-old, “Anchor of Hope” consisting of a bunch of women, resident in Goa and who’s husbands are out sailing the high seas.
Deanne, a homemaker and mother of two teenaged daughters, wanted to do something different, but didn’t quite know what. That’s when she banded together with a lot of other sailor’s wives — Camilla Lobo, Yvonne D ’ S o u z a , Genevieve D’- Souza, Lavina Abreu, Maria Pe re i r a , M a ro u s h k a R a s q u i n h a , Daphne Raghuram, Celine Rodrigues, Leonie Saldanha and Melissa Conceicao who are also homemakers, and Angela Sequeira and Roselyn Pereira who are both working. The group takes it’s name from their’s husband’s professions.
They started their work simply. “We realized we had everything and so decided to share it with others. We started spending time with women in old age homes, just talking and listening to them. The whole effort helped us develop as human beings and at the end of the day we felt accomplished,” said Deanne.
Well organised, each of them has been entrusted with a specialised task. From providing emotional support, organising games and picnics and providing medicines to orphan and HIV positive children and elderly citizens in old age homes, they now also provide financial help.
The finance for their programme comes from three sources: their monthly donation of minimum Rs 100 per person to build up a basic fund, from jumble sales and donations from friends, family and relatives who believe in the work the women are doing. “Orphaned children and old women want some love and attention. The glow on their faces when they see you is the greatest blessing. Besides, we have also funded the education of about 27 persons,” said Camilla.
An intervention of theirs they are proud of is when they were approached by the daughter of a toddy tapper for help. A brilliant student, the girl had obtained the qualifying marks for the BBA course, but had no money for the fees. That’s when the Anchor of Hope came to the girl’s rescue and agreed to pay the fees amounting to Rs 25,000 per annum.
But it was not easy coming up with the money. That’s when they hit upon the idea of a garage sale and came up with the necessary funds for the girl and others in her position.“We try to help in whichever way possible but our hurdle is that sometimes our hands are tied due to lack of funds. Since we are not a registered organisation, we can’t really raise large amounts in funds,” says Genevieve.
What keeps the group going is the encouragement they get from their spouses, families and others. “People have gone out of their way to encourage and help us. It is fantastic to see several people wanting to help us in their own small way,” added Deanne. And in a bid to inculcate this virtue in the younger generation, they have now got their children involved in the work.
An incident that gave the anchors of hope an idea of just how much of a difference they have made in the lives of others, is when a boy they had funded for a hotel management course, returned to meet them and gave them a token sum stating: “With help from you, I could finish my education and get a respectable job. Now I want to return the money you spent on me, to ensure that some other child benefits.” The group has truly been an anchor of hope to many.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair
meets a group of women who bring hope to the needy and disadvantaged by just giving them some love and attention
What does an old lady who has almost everything, but no one to talk to need? A listener. What does an innocent child, who has no one to call his own in the world pray for? A mate. What does a brilliant student, who has no money to continue education dream off ? A donor.
a listener, a mate, a donor, each is anchor of hope for the disadvantaged. And that, an anchor of hope, is exactly what a group of women aspire to be.
Elegant, yet simple Deanne D’Souza (43) from Caranzalem is the brain behind the five-year-old, “Anchor of Hope” consisting of a bunch of women, resident in Goa and who’s husbands are out sailing the high seas.
Deanne, a homemaker and mother of two teenaged daughters, wanted to do something different, but didn’t quite know what. That’s when she banded together with a lot of other sailor’s wives — Camilla Lobo, Yvonne D ’ S o u z a , Genevieve D’- Souza, Lavina Abreu, Maria Pe re i r a , M a ro u s h k a R a s q u i n h a , Daphne Raghuram, Celine Rodrigues, Leonie Saldanha and Melissa Conceicao who are also homemakers, and Angela Sequeira and Roselyn Pereira who are both working. The group takes it’s name from their’s husband’s professions.
They started their work simply. “We realized we had everything and so decided to share it with others. We started spending time with women in old age homes, just talking and listening to them. The whole effort helped us develop as human beings and at the end of the day we felt accomplished,” said Deanne.
Well organised, each of them has been entrusted with a specialised task. From providing emotional support, organising games and picnics and providing medicines to orphan and HIV positive children and elderly citizens in old age homes, they now also provide financial help.
The finance for their programme comes from three sources: their monthly donation of minimum Rs 100 per person to build up a basic fund, from jumble sales and donations from friends, family and relatives who believe in the work the women are doing. “Orphaned children and old women want some love and attention. The glow on their faces when they see you is the greatest blessing. Besides, we have also funded the education of about 27 persons,” said Camilla.
An intervention of theirs they are proud of is when they were approached by the daughter of a toddy tapper for help. A brilliant student, the girl had obtained the qualifying marks for the BBA course, but had no money for the fees. That’s when the Anchor of Hope came to the girl’s rescue and agreed to pay the fees amounting to Rs 25,000 per annum.
But it was not easy coming up with the money. That’s when they hit upon the idea of a garage sale and came up with the necessary funds for the girl and others in her position.“We try to help in whichever way possible but our hurdle is that sometimes our hands are tied due to lack of funds. Since we are not a registered organisation, we can’t really raise large amounts in funds,” says Genevieve.
What keeps the group going is the encouragement they get from their spouses, families and others. “People have gone out of their way to encourage and help us. It is fantastic to see several people wanting to help us in their own small way,” added Deanne. And in a bid to inculcate this virtue in the younger generation, they have now got their children involved in the work.
An incident that gave the anchors of hope an idea of just how much of a difference they have made in the lives of others, is when a boy they had funded for a hotel management course, returned to meet them and gave them a token sum stating: “With help from you, I could finish my education and get a respectable job. Now I want to return the money you spent on me, to ensure that some other child benefits.” The group has truly been an anchor of hope to many.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Sun, surf, sand & education
Sun, surf, sand & education
The over 46 university-affiliated colleges in the state are attracting hundreds of students from as many as 35 countries across the globe, discover Preetu Nair & Brenton Cordeiro
Drop by some of the college campuses today and chances are you will find several foreign faces among the hordes of Goan youngsters.
In the last three years, the over 46 colleges affiliated to the 22-year-old Goa University have been playing host to an increased number of foreign students.
While 103 youngsters trooped in from abroad to study in the state in 2005, the number jumped to 320 last year.
Of these, the maximum are 165 who have come from Yemen, 52 from Afghanistan and 25 from Britain. Though statistics for this year aren’t available with the university, officials said the number “has increased”. The social sciences stream is the most popular for a degree.
Dr B Rodrigues, the foreign student advisor at the Goa University, said the increase in foreign students studying in Goa has come on account of the “Prime Minister’s interest in bringing students from developing countries to Indian institutes”.
“The PM sees these students as potential goodwill ambassadors for the country when they return home,” said Rodrigues.
Goa attracts students from 35 countries including Germany, Russia, Korea, Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Great Britain, Tanzania, the Middle East and Bangladesh.
“They apply to the colleges either on a self-financing basis or through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which offers them scholarships,” said Dr Shrikant Deshpande, principal, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar.
“The (foreign) students are sincere in their academic efforts and interact regularly with teachers,” said Joao Costa, vice principal, Rosary College, Navelim.
Demilade Adisak, a Nigerian student who came to Goa in 2006 and is pursuing her third year science degree at Dhempe’s, is among several from her country who chose Goan colleges over other institutions in Asia. “The average cost of studying in Goa is almost one-fourth of what is charged at our private colleges back home. Besides the quality of education here is much better,” said Adisak who is here on a selffinancing basis.
Goa’s ‘party destination’ tag is an additional attraction. Afghanistan-native Walia Shinzai, a second year economics student at Dhempe’s said he chose Goa, even though his counterparts chose educational institutes in other parts of the country especially Pune, “because I found it to be a fun place”.
“You can party and enjoy even as you learn. I love that,” said Shinzai.
Sudan-native Mohammed Idriss, a final year economics student at Dhempe’s, sees Goa as a stepping stone to going abroad. “I was weak in English and in Goa I have learnt to speak and write it better. This is definitely going to help me to pursue my further studies in the UK,” said Idriss.
Deshpande added, “The foreign students are often weak in English and this is a major concern. But the Goa University has planned short-term courses in English to aid such students.”
Incidentally, while foreign students don’t mind pursuing their graduation in Goa, many aren’t keen on a post graduation degree from the state.
While some blame this decision on Goa’s poor job market scenario, others said a European university degree would give them a more competitive edge.
“No amount of degrees or expertise from Goa can guarantee a student a decent and well-paying job. A foreign degree from a European university or the US will give us the much-needed edge in the job market,” said Shinzai.
Meanwhile, if students from abroad like studying in the state, their Goan counterparts too have accepted the added competition. “A few of my juniors are from abroad and they’re really serious about their studies,” said Nadia D’Silva, a final year student from Saraswati College, Mapusa.
All is not smooth sailing, though. The principal of a South Goa-based college, speaking on condition of anonymity said, “The initial batches of foreign students that came to study in Goa did really well in their studies. The later lot however, have not been regular with their studies and have often got into controversies, which in turn, have brought them under the purview of the police.”
Another principal added that some students “often bunk classes” and “are involved in illegal activities”. “Most of the foreign students have a problem coping with the syllabus and there have been a few cases in which the students got into trouble with the police over drugs,” alleged the principal of a North Goa based institute.
In the wake of the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, police sources added that students, specially those studying in unrecognised institutes, were being investigated.
But terror fear or no, academicians insist the number of students coming from abroad are increasing and will continue to do so. TNN
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
The over 46 university-affiliated colleges in the state are attracting hundreds of students from as many as 35 countries across the globe, discover Preetu Nair & Brenton Cordeiro
Drop by some of the college campuses today and chances are you will find several foreign faces among the hordes of Goan youngsters.
In the last three years, the over 46 colleges affiliated to the 22-year-old Goa University have been playing host to an increased number of foreign students.
While 103 youngsters trooped in from abroad to study in the state in 2005, the number jumped to 320 last year.
Of these, the maximum are 165 who have come from Yemen, 52 from Afghanistan and 25 from Britain. Though statistics for this year aren’t available with the university, officials said the number “has increased”. The social sciences stream is the most popular for a degree.
Dr B Rodrigues, the foreign student advisor at the Goa University, said the increase in foreign students studying in Goa has come on account of the “Prime Minister’s interest in bringing students from developing countries to Indian institutes”.
“The PM sees these students as potential goodwill ambassadors for the country when they return home,” said Rodrigues.
Goa attracts students from 35 countries including Germany, Russia, Korea, Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Great Britain, Tanzania, the Middle East and Bangladesh.
“They apply to the colleges either on a self-financing basis or through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which offers them scholarships,” said Dr Shrikant Deshpande, principal, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar.
“The (foreign) students are sincere in their academic efforts and interact regularly with teachers,” said Joao Costa, vice principal, Rosary College, Navelim.
Demilade Adisak, a Nigerian student who came to Goa in 2006 and is pursuing her third year science degree at Dhempe’s, is among several from her country who chose Goan colleges over other institutions in Asia. “The average cost of studying in Goa is almost one-fourth of what is charged at our private colleges back home. Besides the quality of education here is much better,” said Adisak who is here on a selffinancing basis.
Goa’s ‘party destination’ tag is an additional attraction. Afghanistan-native Walia Shinzai, a second year economics student at Dhempe’s said he chose Goa, even though his counterparts chose educational institutes in other parts of the country especially Pune, “because I found it to be a fun place”.
“You can party and enjoy even as you learn. I love that,” said Shinzai.
Sudan-native Mohammed Idriss, a final year economics student at Dhempe’s, sees Goa as a stepping stone to going abroad. “I was weak in English and in Goa I have learnt to speak and write it better. This is definitely going to help me to pursue my further studies in the UK,” said Idriss.
Deshpande added, “The foreign students are often weak in English and this is a major concern. But the Goa University has planned short-term courses in English to aid such students.”
Incidentally, while foreign students don’t mind pursuing their graduation in Goa, many aren’t keen on a post graduation degree from the state.
While some blame this decision on Goa’s poor job market scenario, others said a European university degree would give them a more competitive edge.
“No amount of degrees or expertise from Goa can guarantee a student a decent and well-paying job. A foreign degree from a European university or the US will give us the much-needed edge in the job market,” said Shinzai.
Meanwhile, if students from abroad like studying in the state, their Goan counterparts too have accepted the added competition. “A few of my juniors are from abroad and they’re really serious about their studies,” said Nadia D’Silva, a final year student from Saraswati College, Mapusa.
All is not smooth sailing, though. The principal of a South Goa-based college, speaking on condition of anonymity said, “The initial batches of foreign students that came to study in Goa did really well in their studies. The later lot however, have not been regular with their studies and have often got into controversies, which in turn, have brought them under the purview of the police.”
Another principal added that some students “often bunk classes” and “are involved in illegal activities”. “Most of the foreign students have a problem coping with the syllabus and there have been a few cases in which the students got into trouble with the police over drugs,” alleged the principal of a North Goa based institute.
In the wake of the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, police sources added that students, specially those studying in unrecognised institutes, were being investigated.
But terror fear or no, academicians insist the number of students coming from abroad are increasing and will continue to do so. TNN
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Dos & don’ts for foreigners in Goa
SETTING SOME GROUND RULES
Dos & don’ts for foreigners in Goa
Hoardings To Guide Visitors On Safety
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When in Rome, you can do as the Romans do, but in Goa you better do what the government tells you to. And this is for your safety, the Goa government plans to tell foreign tourists flocking to the state.
If they notice the sale of drugs or any paedophile activity, foreign tourists should inform the police. This is just one in the long list of ‘dos’ prescribed for them that will soon be displayed on hoardings at tourist hotspots. These dos and don’ts will now be displayed prominently at beaches frequented by foreigners in north Goa and outside hotels in the coastal areas. Every police station will have to ensure that the hoardings are displayed in their jurisdiction before August 31. This move follows the Scarlett Keeling episode as well as reports of attacks on Russians.
The dos are simple: foreigners need to register themselves with the Foreigner’s Registration Office if their visa permits a stay of over 180 days, employ guides registered with the tourism department and ensure that the ‘C’ form is filled by the hotels and sent to the nearest police station.
There are six don’ts for foreigners: Don’t indulge in trade/consumption of narcotic drugs or any paedophile activity. Do not move alone in isolated places late at night, do not seek lifts from strangers, do not overstay, do not drive a vehicle without a license and do not indulge in commercial activity if on a tourist visa.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
Dos & don’ts for foreigners in Goa
Hoardings To Guide Visitors On Safety
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When in Rome, you can do as the Romans do, but in Goa you better do what the government tells you to. And this is for your safety, the Goa government plans to tell foreign tourists flocking to the state.
If they notice the sale of drugs or any paedophile activity, foreign tourists should inform the police. This is just one in the long list of ‘dos’ prescribed for them that will soon be displayed on hoardings at tourist hotspots. These dos and don’ts will now be displayed prominently at beaches frequented by foreigners in north Goa and outside hotels in the coastal areas. Every police station will have to ensure that the hoardings are displayed in their jurisdiction before August 31. This move follows the Scarlett Keeling episode as well as reports of attacks on Russians.
The dos are simple: foreigners need to register themselves with the Foreigner’s Registration Office if their visa permits a stay of over 180 days, employ guides registered with the tourism department and ensure that the ‘C’ form is filled by the hotels and sent to the nearest police station.
There are six don’ts for foreigners: Don’t indulge in trade/consumption of narcotic drugs or any paedophile activity. Do not move alone in isolated places late at night, do not seek lifts from strangers, do not overstay, do not drive a vehicle without a license and do not indulge in commercial activity if on a tourist visa.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
Guards, hawkers to double as sleuths
Guards, hawkers to double as sleuths
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The next tourist season won’t be business as usual for security guards, tourist guides, local panwallahs, taxi drivers and hawkers in Goa’s coastal belt. Along with routine work, they will also be expected to work as the eyes and ears of the Goa police to avert any terrorist attack in the state.
DGP B S Brar has issued directives to senior police officers to activate their beat patrolling, as well as focus on improving police-public relations. The main purpose of this, said top officials, is to ensure the police are able to generate intelligence and information from the public. “Security guards, panwallahs, taxi drivers, motorcycle pilots, hawkers, tourist guides, people working in guest houses and hotels come in touch with different people who visit or live in Goa. They can provide valuable criminal intelligence,’’ said SSP R S Yadav, adding Goa needed a a long-term strategy to counter terrorism.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The next tourist season won’t be business as usual for security guards, tourist guides, local panwallahs, taxi drivers and hawkers in Goa’s coastal belt. Along with routine work, they will also be expected to work as the eyes and ears of the Goa police to avert any terrorist attack in the state.
DGP B S Brar has issued directives to senior police officers to activate their beat patrolling, as well as focus on improving police-public relations. The main purpose of this, said top officials, is to ensure the police are able to generate intelligence and information from the public. “Security guards, panwallahs, taxi drivers, motorcycle pilots, hawkers, tourist guides, people working in guest houses and hotels come in touch with different people who visit or live in Goa. They can provide valuable criminal intelligence,’’ said SSP R S Yadav, adding Goa needed a a long-term strategy to counter terrorism.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
‘Absent’ Yemen students spell alarm in Goa
CYCLE OF TERROR
‘Absent’ Yemen students spell alarm in Goa
Post-Blasts, Arab Pupils Worry Cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An institute teaching foreign students how to speak English shouldn’t be a security concern. But, then again, schools teaching students how to fly planes weren’t in the pre-9/11 era. The fact that there is an institute in Goa with 42 Yemenese students, all with poor attendance record, has security agencies alarmed in the wake of the consecutive serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Police say the presence of so many students with “dodgy’’ credentials from a country known to have contributed substantial number of footsoldiers to Al-Qaida’s jihad is worrying, but the school authorities, while admitting that 42 of the 44 students were from Yemen, say there is nothing illegal about it.
However, the Goa police have written to various state government authorities as well as the Goa University drawing their attention to the functioning of “Fluency Academy’’ located at a commercial building in Panaji. “We are verifying to ensure that there is no terrorist angle. Things are not in order in the institute and we want to be sure that it is not a front for any terrorist organisation. Prevention is better than cure,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George told TOI.
Police said this is perhaps the first instance where Arabs are coming on student visas to study in an educational institute that is not recognized by any government or university body. All the institute has is a trade licence from the Corporation of City of Panaji. Even that licence expired on March 31. “They have not obtained any NOC from the state government nor has Goa University issued any affiliation to the institute. Such institutes operating in the state are a big problem,’’ said director of higher education Bhaskar Nayak.
Panaji police inspector Francis Corte said they had checked the attendance of the 42 Yemenese students and found them to be “very poor’’. The police are now probing what these students have been up to. “With the increasing threat perception in the state, we want to be sure that these students are really here to study,’’ he said. Corte added that the police were also in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
July 28, The Times of India, Mumbai edition
‘Absent’ Yemen students spell alarm in Goa
Post-Blasts, Arab Pupils Worry Cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An institute teaching foreign students how to speak English shouldn’t be a security concern. But, then again, schools teaching students how to fly planes weren’t in the pre-9/11 era. The fact that there is an institute in Goa with 42 Yemenese students, all with poor attendance record, has security agencies alarmed in the wake of the consecutive serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Police say the presence of so many students with “dodgy’’ credentials from a country known to have contributed substantial number of footsoldiers to Al-Qaida’s jihad is worrying, but the school authorities, while admitting that 42 of the 44 students were from Yemen, say there is nothing illegal about it.
However, the Goa police have written to various state government authorities as well as the Goa University drawing their attention to the functioning of “Fluency Academy’’ located at a commercial building in Panaji. “We are verifying to ensure that there is no terrorist angle. Things are not in order in the institute and we want to be sure that it is not a front for any terrorist organisation. Prevention is better than cure,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George told TOI.
Police said this is perhaps the first instance where Arabs are coming on student visas to study in an educational institute that is not recognized by any government or university body. All the institute has is a trade licence from the Corporation of City of Panaji. Even that licence expired on March 31. “They have not obtained any NOC from the state government nor has Goa University issued any affiliation to the institute. Such institutes operating in the state are a big problem,’’ said director of higher education Bhaskar Nayak.
Panaji police inspector Francis Corte said they had checked the attendance of the 42 Yemenese students and found them to be “very poor’’. The police are now probing what these students have been up to. “With the increasing threat perception in the state, we want to be sure that these students are really here to study,’’ he said. Corte added that the police were also in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
July 28, The Times of India, Mumbai edition
Cops ban crackers for Ganesh fest
Cops ban crackers for Ganesh fest
Tight Security Measures In Place To Avoid Communal Disturbances
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As part of tight security measures to be put in place during the forthcoming Ganesh festival, no firecrackers will be permitted during the immersion procession or any where near the Sarvajanik Ganesh venues in Goa.
Unlike previous years, this year tight security arrangements will be made at all Sarvajanik Ganesh venues, as the Goa police anticipate the possibility of communal disturbances during the festival, especially in the wake of blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore and the recent communal tension in Margao.
To avoid any trouble, DGP B S Brar issued a circular on July 31, 2008, directing all police officials to ensure that no firecrackers or fancy fireworks are burst or displayed near the venues.
Even during the procession or immersion of the idol, no fireworks would be permitted.
Apart from controlling the crowd, to avoid a stampede which could arise in the event of a panicky situation, police will guard the entry and exit points of the venues. They will also have to keep a close watch to prevent unwanted elements from gaining entry into the venues.
Police have also advised the organisers to install closed circuit televisions, sand bags and other equipment for firefighting.
Further, during the procession and immersion of the idol, the police will not only have to keep a watch over the mischief makers and eveteasers, but also have to ensure that the timings and routes of two different processions to the venue of immersion do not clash.
Housing societies, commercial and social organizations in the state organise Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals and there are about twenty such mandals in North Goa alone.
The police are already holding meetings with organisers in the state to explain to them the threat perception in the state and the reasons for the police to implement such rigid measures.
“People should understand the circumstances under which these steps are being taken. The security in the state doesn’t need to be undermined and we require every citizen’s co-operation in ensuring that no misunderstanding between the public and police is created,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
August 14, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tight Security Measures In Place To Avoid Communal Disturbances
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As part of tight security measures to be put in place during the forthcoming Ganesh festival, no firecrackers will be permitted during the immersion procession or any where near the Sarvajanik Ganesh venues in Goa.
Unlike previous years, this year tight security arrangements will be made at all Sarvajanik Ganesh venues, as the Goa police anticipate the possibility of communal disturbances during the festival, especially in the wake of blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore and the recent communal tension in Margao.
To avoid any trouble, DGP B S Brar issued a circular on July 31, 2008, directing all police officials to ensure that no firecrackers or fancy fireworks are burst or displayed near the venues.
Even during the procession or immersion of the idol, no fireworks would be permitted.
Apart from controlling the crowd, to avoid a stampede which could arise in the event of a panicky situation, police will guard the entry and exit points of the venues. They will also have to keep a close watch to prevent unwanted elements from gaining entry into the venues.
Police have also advised the organisers to install closed circuit televisions, sand bags and other equipment for firefighting.
Further, during the procession and immersion of the idol, the police will not only have to keep a watch over the mischief makers and eveteasers, but also have to ensure that the timings and routes of two different processions to the venue of immersion do not clash.
Housing societies, commercial and social organizations in the state organise Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals and there are about twenty such mandals in North Goa alone.
The police are already holding meetings with organisers in the state to explain to them the threat perception in the state and the reasons for the police to implement such rigid measures.
“People should understand the circumstances under which these steps are being taken. The security in the state doesn’t need to be undermined and we require every citizen’s co-operation in ensuring that no misunderstanding between the public and police is created,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
August 14, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TV not working? Call the cops
TV not working? Call the cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Planning a vacation but worried about leaving behind a locked house?
Relax, a solution may be at hand—courtesy the Goa police. People leaving their homes unattended for a short period can now inform the beat officer in their area. And he will stand guard.
To build a rapport with the public, the police have drawn up a number of other innovative proposals. If you are an elderly single woman and your television goes blink, inform the beat officer. He will arrange for a technician.
Police help can also be sought to get water supply, clear garbage, tide over waterlogging, get streetlight fuses replaced and other public interest issues. A circular to this effect was issued by IGP Kishan Kumar on August 8.
“If anyone has a problem, they just need to inform the PI, who would then bring it to the notice of the agency concerned,” the circular notes.
The police believe such friendly interactions will lead the people to trust the force more. The police are also working towards forming policepublic committees to get suggestions and cooperation from people with regard to better policing.
The circular also says that during peak hours, the beat officer could help regulate crowds at bus stops and assist children near schools. He could also keep watch on banks on pay day and regulate crowds at places of worship on festival days. Besides, he would also educate people on crime prevention measures.
Apart from this, will be his regular task of gathering information like number of houses, family profiles, ownership details, telephone numbers, etc and verifying them regularly.
But the big question is how much can a beat officer really handle?
August 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Planning a vacation but worried about leaving behind a locked house?
Relax, a solution may be at hand—courtesy the Goa police. People leaving their homes unattended for a short period can now inform the beat officer in their area. And he will stand guard.
To build a rapport with the public, the police have drawn up a number of other innovative proposals. If you are an elderly single woman and your television goes blink, inform the beat officer. He will arrange for a technician.
Police help can also be sought to get water supply, clear garbage, tide over waterlogging, get streetlight fuses replaced and other public interest issues. A circular to this effect was issued by IGP Kishan Kumar on August 8.
“If anyone has a problem, they just need to inform the PI, who would then bring it to the notice of the agency concerned,” the circular notes.
The police believe such friendly interactions will lead the people to trust the force more. The police are also working towards forming policepublic committees to get suggestions and cooperation from people with regard to better policing.
The circular also says that during peak hours, the beat officer could help regulate crowds at bus stops and assist children near schools. He could also keep watch on banks on pay day and regulate crowds at places of worship on festival days. Besides, he would also educate people on crime prevention measures.
Apart from this, will be his regular task of gathering information like number of houses, family profiles, ownership details, telephone numbers, etc and verifying them regularly.
But the big question is how much can a beat officer really handle?
August 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Many Unrecognized Centres Enrol Large Number Of Middle East Students
Pvt edu institutes raise eyebrows
Many Unrecognized Centres Enrol Large Number Of Middle East Students
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police is now planning to propose to the state government to bring educational institutions enrolling foreign students from the Middle East under the control of the education department.
Investigations have revealed that there are 11 institutes in Goa — six functioning in the capital city alone, which are not recognized by the government, nor affiliated to any university. Besides, there are also such institutes in Mapusa, Calangute and Margao. There are about 150 students from the Middle East studying at these institutes, which mainly cater to foreign students. Yemenese students top the list, followed by students from Sudan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
According to the police, these institutes run courses in business administration, computer science, office management courses and English.
While most of the institutes have a trade licence from a municipal council or corporation, in some cases the licence has expired and renewal is awaited, said the police.
“Not only is the attendance rate of these institutes very poor, but is even marked in advance in some cases,” said an official from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Most of the institutes offer couses of either a three, six or nine months duration and charge anything between Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per month per course, which the IB in Goa defines as ‘too less for foreign students’.
The grossly low tuition fees charged by these institutions has caught the attention of security agencies in the state, who have had the 11 institutes under the scanner for quite sometime — especially in the wake of the serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Besides, the police is also planning to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs informing about the student visas being issued to foreign students who study in ‘private and unregistered’ institutes.
“Such institutes have cropped up in the last one year and this is perhaps the first instance of its kind where Middle East students obtain student visas to study in an educational institute not recognized by any authoritative body”, said a police official.
TOI had recently reported about ‘Fluency Academy’, which caters mostly to students from Yemen, and that the police were in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
Armed with details, the Goa police is planning to requesting the state authorities to ensure that all such institutes are registered with the education department and also the collector. The police also wants these institutes to submit a fortnightly report about the attendance of foreign students and their performance.
When contacted, SP (Special Branch) A V Deshpande refused to divulge information, but agreed that there is a need to keep track of foreign students who attend courses in private institutes in the state. “If we don’t act, either the students could be losers or a subversive element may enter the state on a student visa. We would definitely like to have a monitoring system in place,” added Deshpande.
At present however, there is no such mechanism. “We only verify the records and ensure that no extension is given to foreign students who study in institutions not affiliated to the Goa University or education department,” said DySP (Foreigners Registration Office) Rina Torcato.
August 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Many Unrecognized Centres Enrol Large Number Of Middle East Students
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police is now planning to propose to the state government to bring educational institutions enrolling foreign students from the Middle East under the control of the education department.
Investigations have revealed that there are 11 institutes in Goa — six functioning in the capital city alone, which are not recognized by the government, nor affiliated to any university. Besides, there are also such institutes in Mapusa, Calangute and Margao. There are about 150 students from the Middle East studying at these institutes, which mainly cater to foreign students. Yemenese students top the list, followed by students from Sudan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
According to the police, these institutes run courses in business administration, computer science, office management courses and English.
While most of the institutes have a trade licence from a municipal council or corporation, in some cases the licence has expired and renewal is awaited, said the police.
“Not only is the attendance rate of these institutes very poor, but is even marked in advance in some cases,” said an official from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Most of the institutes offer couses of either a three, six or nine months duration and charge anything between Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per month per course, which the IB in Goa defines as ‘too less for foreign students’.
The grossly low tuition fees charged by these institutions has caught the attention of security agencies in the state, who have had the 11 institutes under the scanner for quite sometime — especially in the wake of the serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Besides, the police is also planning to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs informing about the student visas being issued to foreign students who study in ‘private and unregistered’ institutes.
“Such institutes have cropped up in the last one year and this is perhaps the first instance of its kind where Middle East students obtain student visas to study in an educational institute not recognized by any authoritative body”, said a police official.
TOI had recently reported about ‘Fluency Academy’, which caters mostly to students from Yemen, and that the police were in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
Armed with details, the Goa police is planning to requesting the state authorities to ensure that all such institutes are registered with the education department and also the collector. The police also wants these institutes to submit a fortnightly report about the attendance of foreign students and their performance.
When contacted, SP (Special Branch) A V Deshpande refused to divulge information, but agreed that there is a need to keep track of foreign students who attend courses in private institutes in the state. “If we don’t act, either the students could be losers or a subversive element may enter the state on a student visa. We would definitely like to have a monitoring system in place,” added Deshpande.
At present however, there is no such mechanism. “We only verify the records and ensure that no extension is given to foreign students who study in institutions not affiliated to the Goa University or education department,” said DySP (Foreigners Registration Office) Rina Torcato.
August 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Father alleges foul play in army doctor’s death
Father alleges foul play in army doctor’s death
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Three days after the body of a 26-year-old army doctor was found hanging in the bathroom of his official quarter, the young medico’s father is alleging foul play.
Dr Hariram Yadav, whose only son Manu was found hanging with a nylon rope round his neck on Friday, refuses to believe it is a case of suicide. “He was happy in Goa and there was no reason to commit suicide,” he said. However, Dr Yadav added that Capt Manu was unhappy and depressed during his previous posting in Sikkim.
Police have registered an offence under Section 174 of CrPC and are probing whether it was suicide or murder. “Investigations are in the preliminary stage and we are looking into every aspect. We are verifying the army version as well as the family’s view point,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
The army’s officiating station commandant, Goa, said it “appears to be a case of suicide” but added that he could
not comment on the matter while inquiries by the police and the army were on.
Though he failed to put the motive behind his son’s alleged murder, Dr Yadav, a district medical officer from Haryana, claimed there was not enough medical evidence to corroborate the suicide theory. “If he had committed suicide by hanging, there should have been some injury in the brain or his eyes should have been protruding,” he said. What has further surprised the father is that no one in the army hospital realized that their colleague had not reported for duty at 8 am. His body was found an hour later.
The police surgeon’s autopsy report doesn’t say whether the death is suicidal or homicidal. “The report states that death is due to constriction of the neck caused by partial hanging (one leg was touching the stool) and no opinion as to the manner of death has been given. The viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis,” said a top police official. SUICIDE CASE
‘Family was planning to get Manu married’
Panaji: Ruling out that his son, an army doctor, Captain Manu was depressed, Dr Hariram Yadav said his son had joined the army of his free will and it was his life’s ambition to serve the nation.
“The only time he was depressed was during his last posting at Nathu La, Sikkim, where he was troubled and forced to issue false medical certificates to jawans. But once he was posted to Goa in May 2008, he was fine and didn’t complain,” he said.
The family was planning to get Capt Manu married and had posted his profile on online matrimonial sites. Capt Yadav’s only sister, also a doctor, lives in the US.
Though the police have recovered a handwritten suicide note signed by Capt Manu, the father believes that his son could never have written the
letter. The one-page note said that he was disturbed with life as he had troubled lots of people and was therefore ending it to ensure that he doesn’t trouble any more people. Further, in the letter Capt Manu has called himself “self-centered” and said that nobody should be held responsible for his death, police officials revealed. But his father and close friends in the army believe these are not Capt Manu’s words.“Anyone who knew Manu would admit that he was totally opposite of what he described himself to be in the letter. He was affectionate and caring, and would never trouble anyone. Either he was forced to write the letter or someone has copied his handwriting,” claimed Dr Yadav.
A few of Capt Manu’s friends even flew to Goa on Saturday to convince the police that the letter couldn’t have been written by him and and alleged foul play.
This can be verified only after the alleged suicide note, which is attached to the recovery panchnama, is sent for handwriting analysis. Capt Manu’s cremation was scheduled for Sunday in Haryana.
August 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Three days after the body of a 26-year-old army doctor was found hanging in the bathroom of his official quarter, the young medico’s father is alleging foul play.
Dr Hariram Yadav, whose only son Manu was found hanging with a nylon rope round his neck on Friday, refuses to believe it is a case of suicide. “He was happy in Goa and there was no reason to commit suicide,” he said. However, Dr Yadav added that Capt Manu was unhappy and depressed during his previous posting in Sikkim.
Police have registered an offence under Section 174 of CrPC and are probing whether it was suicide or murder. “Investigations are in the preliminary stage and we are looking into every aspect. We are verifying the army version as well as the family’s view point,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
The army’s officiating station commandant, Goa, said it “appears to be a case of suicide” but added that he could
not comment on the matter while inquiries by the police and the army were on.
Though he failed to put the motive behind his son’s alleged murder, Dr Yadav, a district medical officer from Haryana, claimed there was not enough medical evidence to corroborate the suicide theory. “If he had committed suicide by hanging, there should have been some injury in the brain or his eyes should have been protruding,” he said. What has further surprised the father is that no one in the army hospital realized that their colleague had not reported for duty at 8 am. His body was found an hour later.
The police surgeon’s autopsy report doesn’t say whether the death is suicidal or homicidal. “The report states that death is due to constriction of the neck caused by partial hanging (one leg was touching the stool) and no opinion as to the manner of death has been given. The viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis,” said a top police official. SUICIDE CASE
‘Family was planning to get Manu married’
Panaji: Ruling out that his son, an army doctor, Captain Manu was depressed, Dr Hariram Yadav said his son had joined the army of his free will and it was his life’s ambition to serve the nation.
“The only time he was depressed was during his last posting at Nathu La, Sikkim, where he was troubled and forced to issue false medical certificates to jawans. But once he was posted to Goa in May 2008, he was fine and didn’t complain,” he said.
The family was planning to get Capt Manu married and had posted his profile on online matrimonial sites. Capt Yadav’s only sister, also a doctor, lives in the US.
Though the police have recovered a handwritten suicide note signed by Capt Manu, the father believes that his son could never have written the
letter. The one-page note said that he was disturbed with life as he had troubled lots of people and was therefore ending it to ensure that he doesn’t trouble any more people. Further, in the letter Capt Manu has called himself “self-centered” and said that nobody should be held responsible for his death, police officials revealed. But his father and close friends in the army believe these are not Capt Manu’s words.“Anyone who knew Manu would admit that he was totally opposite of what he described himself to be in the letter. He was affectionate and caring, and would never trouble anyone. Either he was forced to write the letter or someone has copied his handwriting,” claimed Dr Yadav.
A few of Capt Manu’s friends even flew to Goa on Saturday to convince the police that the letter couldn’t have been written by him and and alleged foul play.
This can be verified only after the alleged suicide note, which is attached to the recovery panchnama, is sent for handwriting analysis. Capt Manu’s cremation was scheduled for Sunday in Haryana.
August 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Agriculture in Calangute on decline
Agriculture in Calangute on decline
Preetu Nair | TNN
Calangute: Sixty-year-old Rama Matkar returns from the field very unhappy. Despite all the hard work and money spent, he believes that the paddy yield this year won’t be enough to sustain the family for the year. He feels that his worst fears may just come true and they would be forced to purchase rice from the market, something that the family has never done before.
“Despite all our efforts, the yield is reducing, even as the expense on labour and fertilizers is increasing. Now it is cheaper to purchase rice from the market than cultivate your own paddy crop,” said Rama from Gaurawaddo in Calangute.
Agriculture in Goa is on the decline forcing farmers to take up alternate businesses or sell the agricultural land to the highest bidder. Once dependent on farming for survival, the villagers in this coastal village now lament about how money is wasted on paying migrant labourers and how there is no subsidy for farmers in the state.
Rama’s son is a taxi driver, who helps him in the fields during the off-season. But now, just like several other youth in the village, he also claims that the field yields little despite days and nights of back-breaking effort.
Thirty-two-year old Samir Chopdekar says, “How many farmers have a posh car parked outside their bungalow. Many don’t even get to eat a decent meal. More than what they earn, they spend and there is no saving.’’ His parents were farmers and as a child, he also used to go for farming, but now he believes that farming is a waste of time and energy. People complain that inflation has also affected them as the cost of everything, including fertilisers has increased. Further, bad spell of monsoon has also not helped them much.
“I help my mother in cultivating paddy in the monsoon as we don’t get many tourists during the rains. I love working in the field,” said Rajesh Matkar (29). Rajesh is amongst the few youths in the village who are still eager to work in the fields. But he doesn’t know how long he will continue to plough the land and believes that it won’t be long before they also join the crowd.
As per 2001 population census, 16.6% people in the state were engaged in agriculture and allied activities, showing a sharp decline from 63.7% in 1960. This despite the Directorate of Agriculture’s promises to provide custom services to the farmers by providing them with tractors, power tillers and brush/weed cutters on subsidy, which help the farmers to carry out work in their own field, besides providing incentives to the farmers to sustain falling price of their produce.
According to Domingo Fernandes (36), who occasionally works in the field, “During the month of May, there is a huge demand for fertilizers and we have to sometimes purchase it in black by paying extra amount’’.
“Today’s youth argue that there is more money in driving a taxi or working in the shack. They argue that in a week they earn the money to purchase rice that can last them for the year, that even three months of hard work in the fields can’t guarantee,” added Rama.
There is also a social problem, the youth of the village explain. “Now a few parents don’t want to marry off their daughters to a farmer, as they are considered poor and the girl would also have to work in the field,’’ added Vijay Paresekar.
August 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Calangute: Sixty-year-old Rama Matkar returns from the field very unhappy. Despite all the hard work and money spent, he believes that the paddy yield this year won’t be enough to sustain the family for the year. He feels that his worst fears may just come true and they would be forced to purchase rice from the market, something that the family has never done before.
“Despite all our efforts, the yield is reducing, even as the expense on labour and fertilizers is increasing. Now it is cheaper to purchase rice from the market than cultivate your own paddy crop,” said Rama from Gaurawaddo in Calangute.
Agriculture in Goa is on the decline forcing farmers to take up alternate businesses or sell the agricultural land to the highest bidder. Once dependent on farming for survival, the villagers in this coastal village now lament about how money is wasted on paying migrant labourers and how there is no subsidy for farmers in the state.
Rama’s son is a taxi driver, who helps him in the fields during the off-season. But now, just like several other youth in the village, he also claims that the field yields little despite days and nights of back-breaking effort.
Thirty-two-year old Samir Chopdekar says, “How many farmers have a posh car parked outside their bungalow. Many don’t even get to eat a decent meal. More than what they earn, they spend and there is no saving.’’ His parents were farmers and as a child, he also used to go for farming, but now he believes that farming is a waste of time and energy. People complain that inflation has also affected them as the cost of everything, including fertilisers has increased. Further, bad spell of monsoon has also not helped them much.
“I help my mother in cultivating paddy in the monsoon as we don’t get many tourists during the rains. I love working in the field,” said Rajesh Matkar (29). Rajesh is amongst the few youths in the village who are still eager to work in the fields. But he doesn’t know how long he will continue to plough the land and believes that it won’t be long before they also join the crowd.
As per 2001 population census, 16.6% people in the state were engaged in agriculture and allied activities, showing a sharp decline from 63.7% in 1960. This despite the Directorate of Agriculture’s promises to provide custom services to the farmers by providing them with tractors, power tillers and brush/weed cutters on subsidy, which help the farmers to carry out work in their own field, besides providing incentives to the farmers to sustain falling price of their produce.
According to Domingo Fernandes (36), who occasionally works in the field, “During the month of May, there is a huge demand for fertilizers and we have to sometimes purchase it in black by paying extra amount’’.
“Today’s youth argue that there is more money in driving a taxi or working in the shack. They argue that in a week they earn the money to purchase rice that can last them for the year, that even three months of hard work in the fields can’t guarantee,” added Rama.
There is also a social problem, the youth of the village explain. “Now a few parents don’t want to marry off their daughters to a farmer, as they are considered poor and the girl would also have to work in the field,’’ added Vijay Paresekar.
August 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Fewer Britons, Russians May Check In This Year
Bad publicity abroad doesn’t spell good news
Fewer Britons, Russians May Check In This Year
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The coming tourist season may see not just a decline in inflow of travellers from the UK, but also Russia and even Sweden.
“Due to adverse international publicity regarding safety in Goa as well as the stand by some locals against foreigners, there is a visible reluctance among Russian tourists to come to Goa this season,” Vikram Varma, advocate in Goa for the consul general of Russian Federation in Mumbai said.
It is a point that Nitin Kunkolienkar, president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, almost agrees with. “There is a negative Goa wave developing in foreign countries due to agitations and opposition to anything foreign. This is definitely effecting tourism,” he said.
According to data available with the Foreigner’s Registration Office, the state receives tourists of 125 nationalities, but a majority are British (60%), followed by Russians (20-25%), Swedes and Germans. Every year, just about 500 Israelis visit the state. “The number of British and Russian tourists has increased, while there has been a decline in Israeli tourists,” said SP (FRO) Tony Fernandes.
“The UK and Russia are our main markets and the backbone of the tourism industry. But with no government effort to promote Goa in these two countries, we are losing out to cheaper destinations like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and even Kerala,” said Victor Albuquerque, pioneer in medical tourism in Goa. But with tourists visiting Goa on the decline, he fears that medical tourism will also suffer.
This isn’t good news for Goa, highly dependent as it
is on tourism. Goa has seen a steady increase in foreign tourists—from 2.5 lakh in 1997 to about four lakh in 2007, a majority of whom come by charters.
“The UK has been our main market, but Russia is a developing market. The new season will also see a decline in Swedish tourists as a major tour operator who used to bring about 500 tourists a week has cancelled operations to Goa,” said Ralph de Souza, president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa.
Interestingly, it is not just the brass of the tourism industry who are worried. Taxi drivers in the coastal belts are also concerned. “Decline in tourists is not good news for us. Already deterred by
inflation, British tourists visiting Goa in the last season complained that the state is losing its lustre and is becoming a concrete jungle,” said Rajesh, a taxi driver from Calangute.
However, de Souza doesn’t agree with it. “Our UK clients have seen changes and there are complains of over-congestion but that can’t be taken as a universal reason for decline in tourists visiting Goa.”
Two airports can co-exist, says Sidhu
Panaji: A world-class airport with quality infrastructure is critical to Goa’s international competitiveness, Goa governor S S Sidhu said on Friday, adding that two airports can co-exist in the state. A new airport, which would be a key driver to Goa’s future growth, could work on a public-private partnership model on the lines of Hyderabad and Bangalore, he told the Goa Tourism Meet - 2008. He added that the new airport would receive a Rs 500 crore package.
August 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Fewer Britons, Russians May Check In This Year
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The coming tourist season may see not just a decline in inflow of travellers from the UK, but also Russia and even Sweden.
“Due to adverse international publicity regarding safety in Goa as well as the stand by some locals against foreigners, there is a visible reluctance among Russian tourists to come to Goa this season,” Vikram Varma, advocate in Goa for the consul general of Russian Federation in Mumbai said.
It is a point that Nitin Kunkolienkar, president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, almost agrees with. “There is a negative Goa wave developing in foreign countries due to agitations and opposition to anything foreign. This is definitely effecting tourism,” he said.
According to data available with the Foreigner’s Registration Office, the state receives tourists of 125 nationalities, but a majority are British (60%), followed by Russians (20-25%), Swedes and Germans. Every year, just about 500 Israelis visit the state. “The number of British and Russian tourists has increased, while there has been a decline in Israeli tourists,” said SP (FRO) Tony Fernandes.
“The UK and Russia are our main markets and the backbone of the tourism industry. But with no government effort to promote Goa in these two countries, we are losing out to cheaper destinations like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and even Kerala,” said Victor Albuquerque, pioneer in medical tourism in Goa. But with tourists visiting Goa on the decline, he fears that medical tourism will also suffer.
This isn’t good news for Goa, highly dependent as it
is on tourism. Goa has seen a steady increase in foreign tourists—from 2.5 lakh in 1997 to about four lakh in 2007, a majority of whom come by charters.
“The UK has been our main market, but Russia is a developing market. The new season will also see a decline in Swedish tourists as a major tour operator who used to bring about 500 tourists a week has cancelled operations to Goa,” said Ralph de Souza, president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa.
Interestingly, it is not just the brass of the tourism industry who are worried. Taxi drivers in the coastal belts are also concerned. “Decline in tourists is not good news for us. Already deterred by
inflation, British tourists visiting Goa in the last season complained that the state is losing its lustre and is becoming a concrete jungle,” said Rajesh, a taxi driver from Calangute.
However, de Souza doesn’t agree with it. “Our UK clients have seen changes and there are complains of over-congestion but that can’t be taken as a universal reason for decline in tourists visiting Goa.”
Two airports can co-exist, says Sidhu
Panaji: A world-class airport with quality infrastructure is critical to Goa’s international competitiveness, Goa governor S S Sidhu said on Friday, adding that two airports can co-exist in the state. A new airport, which would be a key driver to Goa’s future growth, could work on a public-private partnership model on the lines of Hyderabad and Bangalore, he told the Goa Tourism Meet - 2008. He added that the new airport would receive a Rs 500 crore package.
August 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Lack of beds at GMC leads to abandonment of patients
Lack of beds at GMC leads to abandonment of patients
Medical Social Workers Have Difficulty When Dealing With Destitute Outstation Patients
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Being declared disabled for life didn’t dampen his spirit. But the manner in which he was shunted out of the Goa Medical College and hospital and abandoned at the railway station without a ticket or any help has hurt his soul.
“We were left at the railway station by the hospital authorities on Wednesday. I don’t know if I will be thrown out again. I can barely sit and none of my family members have contacted me,” said Sahiprasad (32), who was admitted in the orthopaedic ward with a slipped disc on March 13 and was discharged with a catheter (urine bag) on Wednesday afternoon. He along with two other patients were later admitted to the GMC again by the Old Goa police.
Sahiprasad came to Goa from Basti Jillah in Uttar Pradesh seven years ago and in an inebriated state, fell from a two-storeyed building. He was immediately admitted at GMC where he underwent treatment for five months. Even as he was discharged on Wednesday with a certificate that he was “fit to be discharged”, orthopaedic surgeons at GMC admit that he will never be able to walk again.
“I had run away from home and I am not sure whether my father is alive or not. Despite several letters to my relatives informing them about my condition, so far no one has come to take me home,” added Sahiprasad.
The hospital authorities had dropped him and two others at the Karmali railway station as, “these destitute patients were occupying the bed for a long period”.
Worse, the medical social workers (one in each department at GMC) who have been entrusted the job of ensuring that such patients are taken back to their home, abandoned the three at the railway station with a Rs 10 note.
“They took us in a GMC vehicle to the railway station, handed us Rs 10 each and advised us to catch a train home. When I inquired about the tickets, they told us that we would be allowed to travel free if we show our GMC discharge card,” said the second patient Harish Kumar (42) from Kannur in Kerala. He came to Goa on July 13 and met with an accident at Margao.
These incidents also show that the health authorities have little faciltity when it comes to dealing with the destitute and poor, a fact which is also admitted by the GMC doctors.
“In the orthopaedic wards alone, we get about 20 to 25 patients “fit for discharge”, but left at the hospital for months together by their family members or contractors. As they tend occupy beds for long periods, we have difficulty admitting other patients,” said a orthopaedic surgeon.
Goa Medical College dean Dr V N Jindal said, “This is a problem that we have been trying to cope with for a very long time.
They are “fit to be discharged”, yet have no one to take them home and we can’t have them at the hospital for long because we have to accommodate new and more needy patients”.
A medical social worker at the GMC, explaining the procedure, said that a poor patient is dropped home by them on the orders of a medical superintendent, but agreed that they have difficulty when dealing with destitute outstation patients.
“We will have to see how best we can help these patients. We may ask the police to help locate their relatives or if they have an address,” added GMC medical superintendent Dr Rajan Kuncolienkar.
August 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Medical Social Workers Have Difficulty When Dealing With Destitute Outstation Patients
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Being declared disabled for life didn’t dampen his spirit. But the manner in which he was shunted out of the Goa Medical College and hospital and abandoned at the railway station without a ticket or any help has hurt his soul.
“We were left at the railway station by the hospital authorities on Wednesday. I don’t know if I will be thrown out again. I can barely sit and none of my family members have contacted me,” said Sahiprasad (32), who was admitted in the orthopaedic ward with a slipped disc on March 13 and was discharged with a catheter (urine bag) on Wednesday afternoon. He along with two other patients were later admitted to the GMC again by the Old Goa police.
Sahiprasad came to Goa from Basti Jillah in Uttar Pradesh seven years ago and in an inebriated state, fell from a two-storeyed building. He was immediately admitted at GMC where he underwent treatment for five months. Even as he was discharged on Wednesday with a certificate that he was “fit to be discharged”, orthopaedic surgeons at GMC admit that he will never be able to walk again.
“I had run away from home and I am not sure whether my father is alive or not. Despite several letters to my relatives informing them about my condition, so far no one has come to take me home,” added Sahiprasad.
The hospital authorities had dropped him and two others at the Karmali railway station as, “these destitute patients were occupying the bed for a long period”.
Worse, the medical social workers (one in each department at GMC) who have been entrusted the job of ensuring that such patients are taken back to their home, abandoned the three at the railway station with a Rs 10 note.
“They took us in a GMC vehicle to the railway station, handed us Rs 10 each and advised us to catch a train home. When I inquired about the tickets, they told us that we would be allowed to travel free if we show our GMC discharge card,” said the second patient Harish Kumar (42) from Kannur in Kerala. He came to Goa on July 13 and met with an accident at Margao.
These incidents also show that the health authorities have little faciltity when it comes to dealing with the destitute and poor, a fact which is also admitted by the GMC doctors.
“In the orthopaedic wards alone, we get about 20 to 25 patients “fit for discharge”, but left at the hospital for months together by their family members or contractors. As they tend occupy beds for long periods, we have difficulty admitting other patients,” said a orthopaedic surgeon.
Goa Medical College dean Dr V N Jindal said, “This is a problem that we have been trying to cope with for a very long time.
They are “fit to be discharged”, yet have no one to take them home and we can’t have them at the hospital for long because we have to accommodate new and more needy patients”.
A medical social worker at the GMC, explaining the procedure, said that a poor patient is dropped home by them on the orders of a medical superintendent, but agreed that they have difficulty when dealing with destitute outstation patients.
“We will have to see how best we can help these patients. We may ask the police to help locate their relatives or if they have an address,” added GMC medical superintendent Dr Rajan Kuncolienkar.
August 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
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