The Community Health Centre was rechristened the ‘Primary Health Centre’ after the renovation, which gave the people of Pernem upgraded facilities, besides a casualty ward, six OPDs, a maternity and two general wards, an operation theatre and 40 beds.
The foundation stone was laid for the renovation of the CHC at an estimated cost of Rs 3.66 crore. The work was divided into stages: the first stage included roof repairs and waterproofing, construction of wastewater chambers, a casualty ward, operation theaters, kitchen, toilets, flooring, false ceiling, etc. The renovation made the hospital hygienic and a pleasant environment for the patients.
“The renovated PHC is better than the old health centre. The new hospital will make it easy for the people, who have to run around in GMC and Asilo during major health issues, since more facilities and equipment will be available here,” said Aruna Salgaonkar, a local.
The second stage of the work will be making the PHC a fully furnished sub-district hospital through GSIDC at an estimated cost of Rs 44.23 crore.
The total area of the building is 11,546.82 sq mts. The ground floor will house the OPD, blood bank, CSSD area, casualty, canteen, pharmacy, entrance lobby (registration), staff changing area, daycare ward, physiotherapy department, community services, service areas, pathology department and toilet blocks. The first floor will house the male/female wards, dialysis, OT, ICU, delivery suite, paediatric ward, maternity ward, NICU, waiting areas, service areas and toilet blocks. The basement will be for parking of ambulances, mortuary vans, cars and two-wheelers.
“The upcoming hospital will provide the best facilities to the people of Pernem taluka as well as the neighbouring Sindhudurg area,” said ex-Pernem ZP Deepak Kalangutkar.
After the second stage is completed, the PHC will be attached to Goa Medical College and Hospital as a rural medical centre. The doctors from GMC will undergo internships at this centre. Till now, 40-45 percent of the building construction work has been completed.