Apart from the many devotees lining up to venerate the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier in Old Goa, many others are also expected to join in this spiritual journey, partaking in pilgrim walks as well as the Eucharistic celebrations.
Considering the large number of people who will be visiting Old Goa during the 45-day event, the Exposition Secretariat Committee has made several provisions, including medical and hygiene facilities.
“We have teamed up with Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim, and also with the Primary Health Centre in Corlim. Dr Kedar is in charge of the medical aspects,” said Fr Henry Falcao, convenor of the Exposition Committee.
Although there are private hospitals in the vicinity, any admissions during the exposition will only be done at GMC.
“If private hospitals wish to support the exposition in any way, they must assure that no charges will be applied to patients admitted during the event,” he added.
A six-bed medical facility will be set up near the office of the Exposition Secretariat, and will deal with emergencies till such time that the patient is shifted to GMC.
At any given time, there will be two ambulances stationed around the venue.
“One ambulance will be stationed near the office of the Exposition Secretariat, while another will be towards the Gandhi Circle,” Fr Henry informed.
Noting that the elderly and senior citizens will be a significant part of the exposition, doctors will also be available at the venue in case of any health emergency.
“There will be two doctors and a few nurses at the venue from 6 am till the time the veneration gets over at 7 pm,” the convenor mentioned.
Besides this, first aid centres will be set up near the veneration queue. “In case someone faints or something happens, instead of shifting them to the secretariat block, they can be assisted right there, at these first-aid centres,” he explained. “Water provisions all along the queue have also been made.”
A special counter for the sick and specially-abled will be set up in front of the Church of St Francis of Assisi at the rear of Se Cathedral where wheelchair facilities can also be availed.
With regards to washrooms, Fr Henry explained that this time, the government has, wherever possible, put up temporary toilets which aren’t chemical toilets. These will be set up where space is available, especially in parking areas.
“Every year, chemical toilets were hired (during the feast and novena days), but this time around, they have not been considered due to issues like the people’s reluctance to use them because of odours and privacy concerns, since these are set up near the roads, as well as the difficulty in maintaining them,” he said.
He also informed that under the Public Works Department (PWD), these toilets will be dismantled after the 45-day event as it is only the lower pit that is constructed, while the other things are makeshift. The cost of these temporary ones is far lower than hiring chemical ones.
Aiming to provide a seamless experience to pilgrims and visitors, with these and other key provisions, all efforts have been made to ensure the comfort and safety of attendees during the decennial exposition.