Improve public transport
Public transport in the state is in a pathetic state and needs to be improved so as to provide better facilities to commuters. The transport department recently stated that operators of public buses that allow entry to commuters inside the driver’s cabin would be taken to task. This is a step in the right direction. However, there are many other aspects of public transport that need urgent attention of the authorities. It is seen that many bus operators do not issue fare ticket to commuters. They also overcharge at times due to lack of change. Halting buses at unspecified spots to board passengers is common on certain routes. Two places where this occurs are Tisk in Ponda and Pajifond in Margao. Besides, uniform is also not worn by some bus drivers and conductors. Several bus conductors also behave rudely with the commuters. Some drivers also indulge in over-speeding thus risking the lives of the commuters and the other road users. Many buses also move with the door kept open, which can result in tragedy.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Respecting women
I recently watched the film ‘Mrs’ on an OTT platform and I am sure every person who has seen the film must have been left with an immense impact. The film realises the harsh reality of society where even today educated women are victims of silent suppression with lack of the support they need. People are quite reticent about such a sensitive issue even if their own daughters are the victims. Such patriarchal standards lead to the denial of liberty of basic rights for women. A woman’s daily household chores and responsibilities are often termed as her duty and she is hardly appreciated or respected for that. There is a need to raise men who will not feel insecure about women and help them in the household chores.
Miltina Pinto, Fatorda
Idli in shacks
A hue and cry has been made regarding the serving of idli and sambhar and not the typical cuisines of Goa in the shacks and eateries located along the North Goa beaches. It was long expected that a day would come when the yeast would rise and come to a boil since domestic tourists come in droves, whether during the peak season or off-season and many prefer a simple meal. Idli is considered ‘safe’ food, as it is made of rice and lentils and is steamed. Sambhar and chutney are made of lentils and coconut, respectively. This simple menu provides proteins and energy, and one has no fear of cholesterol, as oil is not used in the preparation. Hence, it is difficult to fathom as to how idli and sambhar are supposedly affecting Goa’s charm and keeping away foreigners and high-spending tourists. Incidentally, equivalent of idli in Goa are ‘sannas’, which are either fermented with toddy or yeast. Specific food items may define a place but these by themselves have no role to play in attracting tourists. Even tourists who claim to be ‘pure vegetarians’ (whatever it means) do enjoy Goa’s ros omelette, choris pav and sausages! Hence, ‘blaming’ idli and sambhar for the reduced tourist footfall leaves a sour taste. After all, ‘one man’s meat (idli) is another person’s poison (income)!’
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Caring for elderly in hospitals
The Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) at Bambolim has reportedly introduced a dedicated queue exclusively for senior citizens mainly to ease the challenges faced by them during the registration process. Additionally, it is learnt that a separate counter has also been set up to give preference to senior citizens holding a priority card for Out Patient Department (OPD). A public Relations Officer (PRO) will reportedly be present to guide the senior citizens to their respective OPDs for check-up and necessary investigations. These facilities need to be provided not only at the GMC but should be made available for government hospitals across the state since senior citizens also visit other government hospitals. Visual impairment is highly prevalent among the elderly. Therefore, it is essential for the hospitals to have signboards with big letters and contrast backgrounds. It is learnt that elderly citizens now constitute half of the hospital inpatient population. Catering to the needs of this group requires care and improving the inpatient environment in the hospitals. Elderly persons may have multiple health issues, could be malnourished and have impairments. These older adults are at a greater risk of suffering hospital-associated discomforts. Since the usage of hospital services by the elderly population is high, there is a need for the hospitals to respond to the needs of the elderly population. Be that as it may, at a time when information technology (IT) is being used vastly in numerous aspects of the healthcare delivery system, why not introduce a system wherein senior citizens can make online registration at government hospitals instead of having them wait in line, even if it is a dedicated queue. The senior citizens can upload their senior citizen card while taking an appointment online in a government hospital.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
