Panaji: Goa’s first 50-bed integrated ayurvedic and allopathic hospital, located in Bicholim, was officially handed over by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to Deendayal Janaseva Pratisthan on Monday.
During a formal ceremony at the Secretariat, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that IOCL had invested ₹10.5 crore in the project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The hospital is expected to become operational within six months, once medical equipment and necessary infrastructure are in place.
“This facility will serve not only patients from rural Goa but also from neighboring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra. I urge IOCL to continue supporting us in running this hospital effectively,” Sawant stated.
He stressed that operating a hospital demands dedication, as it focuses on delivering vital healthcare services rather than being a profit-driven venture. Deendayal Janaseva Pratisthan has committed to offering 10% of its services free of charge, ensuring access to healthcare for economically weaker sections and those below the poverty line. The hospital will also accept state and central government medical insurance cards for treatment.
An advisory committee, including oncologist Dr. Shekhar Salkar, has been established to oversee the facility’s operations and ensure it is equipped with all necessary amenities.
The chief minister also commended IOCL for its various green initiatives, such as setting up e-charging stations, ethanol plants, and compressed biogas projects. “If IOCL considers more such projects, the government will provide full support,” he added.
