Residents of Collem have raised strong concerns over the prolonged delay in the construction of the Primary Health Centre (PHC), which has remained incomplete for the past eight years. Locals are now demanding immediate completion of the facility to ensure access to basic healthcare services.
The issue gained urgency following a tragic incident reported two days ago, where a local youth suffered a heart attack but could not receive timely medical assistance. He was being transported to the health centre at Usgao but passed away en route. Residents believe that had the Collem PHC been functional, immediate treatment could have potentially saved his life.
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According to locals, the foundation stone for the PHC was laid in 2018 by then MLA Deepak Pauskar. By 2020, nearly 70 percent of the construction had been completed, but work was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the 2022 elections, Pramod Sawant had reportedly assured villagers during his visit that the facility would be completed before the polls and made operational for public use. However, residents claim that even after Ganesh Gaonkar was elected in 2022, the remaining work has not been completed and the project continues to remain pending in 2026.
Expressing frustration, local youth Krishna Desai criticised the delay, alleging that while funds are being spent on other activities, the long-pending healthcare project has been neglected.
Villagers have urged the Government of Goa to prioritise the completion of the Primary Health Centre and make it operational at the earliest to prevent further loss of lives.
