On food safety, Sardesai flagged the lack of a food testing lab in Margao and the sale of unhygienic street food, adding, "Momos and biryani are being sold in unsanitary conditions. Where is the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)?"

Ruling Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo urged the FDA to inspect organic products sold in supermarkets. "Goans are becoming health-conscious, yet organic products are priced three times higher. The FDA must verify their authenticity," she said.

Cabral demanded an investigation into private hospitals charging patients despite their health cards. The government must investigate how much hospitals receive from both the state and the patients," he said.

Panaji

Over 13,600 persons with mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress among others have been benefitted from the TeleManas mental health programme since its inception in May 2023, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed the Goa Legislative Assembly.

The cases handled under the programme pertain to relationship issues, depression, anxiety, conflicts, exam-related stress, over thinking, sleep disturbances, workplace stress, and mood disorders.

"The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sangath. Sangath helps in conducting mental health awareness programmes in Goa," Rane said.

The Goa Assembly, during the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, saw discussions over the rising road accidents, public transport, healthcare infrastructure, and food safety.

Opposition MLA Vijai Sardesai said, "Accidents have not reduced, even though roads are wide and well-maintained. Public transport remains inadequate yet the govern- ment is talking about a metro project-it's like telling people to eat cake instead of bread."

He also criticised the rent-a-cab business, calling it a "menace," and accused the government of failing to enforce speed g?overnors in vehicles. "The RTO is nothing but a golden goose for the government, issuing challans without addressing core issues," he alleged.

Ruling Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral called for regular reviews of transport policies.

"The Chief Minister and Transport Minister must hold fortnightly meetings to ensure the Majhi Bus Scheme's success and integrate private operators into the Kadamba Transport fleet," he said.