Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (RS)

Panaji, Sep 10: Indian medical association has strongly opposed Goa government's move to convert heritage building, which once housed Asia's first medical college, to be leased out for shopping mall.

"Instead, the government can be converted into a medical museum,'' Dr Atchut Kakodkar, president, Goa state IMA, stated.

The heritage structure tucked on Mandovi river bank in the city housed Asias first medical college and till recently it was a home for goa medical college (GMC) and hospital.

Goa government in 2004 handed over the premises to Entertainment society of Goa, a host of International film festival of India, which on the other hand has resolved to put the building for commercial use by turning it into mall.

The proposal, however, is vehemently opposed by the doctors in the state, who have formed a special committee to thwart the move.

The building which was earlier a palace, housed Asia's first medical college Escola Medico Cirurgica De Nova Goa in 1842.

"The historical importance and relevance of the concerned building along with the emotional bond it has established with the medical fraternity in the state should be given due consideration while deciding its fate. Hence it is recommended that the building should retain its ties with the medical profession only,'' the IMA feels.

The medical fraternity, who have formed Save Goa medical college action committee, has stressed for setting up of a medical museum in this place.

"The technological advances in the medical field along with their incorporation in GMC could be displayed for the benefit of the budding Goan medicos,'' Dr Rufino Monteiro, chairman, Save GMC action committee, stated.

He added that it would serve as nostalgic ride to all those doctors who have made Goa proud. "This museum should be on the lines of Armed Forces Medical College museum- Pune,'' the medicos suggest.

The IMA has said that they   welcome professionals running the conferencing or museum facilities on short-term contracts rather than leasing it out for commercial gains.