Panaji (Goa) The committee headed by joint secretary health Sunil Masurkar in its report to the State government has recommended that non-Goan patients be charged 20 percent of the rate applicable for intervention under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojna (DDSSY) for availing medical services at Goa medical College and Hospital (GMC).

From December 1, it is most likely that GMC will charge outstation patients for availing services. However, the fees will not be levied in case of emergencies.

The Committee has submitted its report to the government for execution. “The committee has proposed to charge 20 percent of the rate applicable for DDSSY interventions. It is for the government to decide now,” sources said.

The decision to charge outstation patient was taken in a bid to reduce its medical expenses, as the state’s premier government hospital is being burdened with patients pouring in from neighbouring districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.