Margao, October 16, 2026
In a major step towards strengthening public healthcare in South Goa, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the fully commissioned MRI and Echocardiography facilities, along with Cardiology and Nephrology units, at South Goa District Hospital, Margao today. The inauguration marks a significant expansion of advanced diagnostic and specialised healthcare services, bringing essential medical facilities closer to the people of South Goa and reducing the need for patients to travel to Goa Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Strengthening the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, the Government of Goa has commissioned an MRI facility at an approximate cost of ₹12 crore and installed an Echocardiography machine costing approximately ₹35 lakh. The hospital has also expanded its specialised services through Cardiology and Nephrology units, with a cardiologist from GMC available three times a week and nephrology consultations scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The upgraded facilities are expected to benefit nearly 30% of South Goa’s population, improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reduce patient referrals to GMC and ease the burden on the State’s tertiary healthcare infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure quality medical services are accessible to every Goan. He emphasised that healthcare development remains a priority across the State, with equal attention to North and South Goa. He also highlighted the availability of free dialysis services across 16 locations in Goa and free varicose vein treatment at Bicholim Hospital. Referring to preventive healthcare, he stated that 50,000 women have undergone medical check-ups under the Checked by Dotor initiative, alongside the Government’s continued efforts to promote Ayurveda and preventive care.
Highlighting the growing role of digital healthcare, CM Dr. Sawant stated that over one lakh people have already used the online OPD appointment facility at Goa Medical College. He also announced the upcoming introduction of telemedicine services to enable remote consultations and reduce unnecessary hospital visits. Referring to financial healthcare support, he highlighted the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), under which ₹70 crore has been spent, along with the recently launched Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, aimed at providing additional financial support to patients requiring medical treatment.
Further strengthening South Goa’s healthcare infrastructure, CM Dr. Sawant highlighted plans to establish an ESI Medical College in South Goa. He also stated that the old Hospicio Hospital building would be renovated and handed over for use as a nursing college, enabling additional space at the new district hospital to expand patient care capacity. Reiterating the Government’s vision for inclusive development, CM Dr. Sawant highlighted initiatives supporting healthcare, education and infrastructure, including the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that development benefits every Goan, in line with the vision of Viksit Goa 2037 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The programme was attended by Health Minister, Shri Vishwajit Rane, PWD Minister and Margao MLA Shri Digambar Kamat, Navelim MLA Shri Ulhas Tuenkar, Shri Pranav Bhat, Joint Secretary, Health and Finance, Dr. Saleena Naik, Director of Health Services along with senior health officials, medical professionals and other dignitaries.
