Creation of third district
The proposal of adding another district comprising of Canacona, Sanguem, Dharbandora and Quepem does not augur well for further division of the state although the decision aims to improve administration and promote development in these hinterland areas. Goa being a small state, adding another district could lead to more bureaucracy and potential inefficiencies. The current set-up has been working well, and sometimes, less is more, when it comes to governance. It is a balancing act between improving local administration and avoiding unnecessary complexity. Prior to this move, there was a proposal for inclusion of Sawantwadi and adjoining border areas including Dodamarg which was subsequently watered down. It is a complex issue, as politics is indeed a game of numbers, and balancing efficient administration with political considerations is always a challenge. In the final analysis, streamlining the existing set-up can be more effective in addressing the root causes rather than increasing the number of administrative units.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Right move
In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to formulate a scheme for cashless medical treatment of motor accident victims during the critical ‘golden hour’ latest by March 14, 2025. The scheme aims to save lives by providing timely care, and addresses financial hurdles commonly faced during emergencies. The golden hour refers to a one-hour window following a traumatic injury under which a timely medical intervention will most likely prevent death. Section 162 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 requires insurance companies to provide treatment for road accident victims during the golden hour.
The scheme is intended to address the issue of delayed medical treatment for accident victims, which can occur due to a number of reasons, including absence of relatives, hospital concerns over payment and waiting for police. The purpose of the scheme is to protect the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. Cashless facility allows policyholders to receive medical treatment without having to pay the hospital directly.
Instead, the insurance company settles the bill on behalf of the insured. It is learnt that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims. Following the pilot programme initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in Chandigarh in March 2024, the scheme will now reportedly be applicable to road accident victims nationwide. It is learnt that the ongoing pilot initiative to provide cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days for all crash survivors will now be expanded to all states by March 2025 in order to counter the trend of rising road fatalities across India.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Warning bell
The earthquake that hit Tibet and left Nepal unnerved recently, leading to more than 150 dead and nearly 200 injured should be a warning bell for the urban planners of India. Repeated incidents of earthquakes in regions close to India are indeed a cause for worry. The prediction of experts is scary which should keep the Indian government and the people on their toes. According to the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), approximately 60% of India’s land mass is prone to earthquakes. Since earthquakes cannot be forewarned, an anticipatory defence and perfect planning are keys to mitigate their aftereffects. The interconnected land plates between India, Nepal and Myanmar appear to have rendered the Northeast and the eastern parts of India extremely vulnerable to quakes. The previous quakes, especially the ones that have occurred in Nepal, have left the plates fragile and weak. The building code to be adhered to by architects has gone for a toss resulting in catastrophic possibilities for all those coming under the danger seismic zones.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Spread of HMPV
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is presently one of the most discussed subjects not only in India but across the world. This heightened attention is understandable given the human nature. Ever since the havoc caused worldwide by coronavirus, people have become more cautious and tend to discuss new viruses extensively through various media. Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that was first identified in 2001 by a research group in the Netherlands. It is believed to have been circulating among humans for many years. The virus causes respiratory infections, particularly in young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune system. China is currently experiencing a surge in HMPV infections. The National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention in China has been closely monitoring the situation and has issued warnings about the spread of common infections during this winter period.
N Y Nadkarni, Ponda
