PANAJI: The state government is considering making it mandatory for house owners to provide toilet facilities in tenanted premises.

This proposal was taken up during the cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the state secretariat. The government aims to take it forward through an amendment to the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Health Act, 1985.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that the government is also considering bringing in law, which will deter businessmen from setting up commercial establishments like restaurants in residential areas.

“The Public Health Act in existence now is outdated and needs to be changed to meet the present-day requirements. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has some plans in mind and those additional points would have to be added to the Public health Act. The act requires turnaround,” he said.

He admitted that there were many restaurants in the state that are in operation without having the requisite documents and permissions of the health department. “People are running restaurants, small hotels and canteens without permission in residential areas. There are Russians doing business in Morjim without having permission. We want to amend the Public health Act so as to give more powers to health officers. We will create a special cell in the health department which will scrutinise the applications,” Rane said.

Earlier in the day, Rane inaugurated extension of Resident Medical Officers Hostel at Goa Medical College, Bambolim. The hostel has a provision of 80 single rooms and 24 double rooms, with attached bathrooms and toilets.  Apart from this, separate washrooms have also been provided in the hostel.