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Goa offers to help quake-hit

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

Goa has expressed preparedness to airlift 500 earthquake victims and treat them as the tiny tourist state is unable to send medical facilities to Gujarat.

"We have sent a proposal to the Gujarat Government," said Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Goa has already sent doctors to the quake-affected areas.

Though plans were made to airlift 500 victims immediately, Parrikar said it was put off as the authorities requested him to keep it on hold till they assessed the situation and start concentrating on treating patients.

Goa has a well-equipped Goa Medical College hospital in the capital city of Panaji, besides two district hospitals and several cottage hospitals and primary health centres. The tiny state is also known for its high rate of literacy and health consciousness.

Dr Wilfred de Souza, former chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader, appealed to the government to cancel Goa's famous state-sponsored carnival and Shigmo festivals as well as the cultural sea food festival held on the beach, this year.

"The government could divert these funds as a relief to the quake victims," suggested Dr de Souza.

Following Christmas, the carnival and Shigmo festivals held in February and March are two other tourist attractions of Goa.

The Bharatiya Janata Party Government is yet to react to the suggestion.

The Complete Coverage | List of earthquake sites

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