Roosters within GMC get health minister's goat

Panaji: Health minister Vishwajit Rane said he has directed security personnel at Goa Medical College (GMC) and hospital to drive away roosters found on the campus.
During his visit to the hospital on Thursday evening Rane told reporters he noticed at least four roosters and immediately ordered security to get rid of them. "While overall cleanliness of the GMC has improved, the roosters are a problem especially if they enter corridors and wards," he said.
The health minister said attempts by the hospital's administration to remove the roosters in the past have not been effective.
"The birds were caught and left outside the GMC premises," he said, adding that they sometimes return. GMC dean Dr Pradeep Naik and medical superintendent Dr S M Bandekar who were also present for the press briefing confirmed that this was indeed the case.
It is believed that offering a rooster improves the condition of an ailing person. As a practice, relatives of patients who are critical, make an offering before the peepal tree (Sacred fig tree) adjacent to the casualty block in GMC premises.
"That it how we see roosters in GMC premises along with stray dogs. This sounds bizarre but it's true that some people rely on roosters rather than GMC doctors," said a hospital staff member.

Let's block ads! (Why?)