The South Goa District Hospi tal (SGDH) once again came under the scan ner on Tuesday night as desperate patients and their families were forced to wait in ser pentine queues outside the casualty ward, where only two doctors struggled to handle an overwhelming rush of emergencies. The disturbing scene laid bare the crumbling state of the hospital’s emergency care, raising serious concerns over patient safety. Witnesses at the hospital reported that the casualty section was overflowing, with patients and rela tives anxiously waiting their turn to meet the doctors.
The shortage of staff meant that many were left wait ing for long hours, including senior citizens and children, who were visibly struggling at the casualty door to receive treatment. Residents and patients have strongly criticised the Health Department for failing to address the persistent staffing issues at SGDH. They have called for urgent in tervention, particularly in ensuring adequate doctors are deployed during night shifts, when emergencies are fre quent and often more critical. “The Health Department should show concern and act swiftly by providing more doctors for night duty. Public health must take priority over bureaucratic delays,” a local one of the patient. The incident has once again brought to light the recur ring problems at SGDH, which has often been in the news for infrastructure lapses, inadequate facilities, and service delays. Despite being the largest hospital in South Goa, the facility continues to struggle with patient load, especially in emergency care. When contacted for his response, Dr Rajendra Borkar, Medical Superintendent of SGDH, could not be reached on Wednesday evening.
