The absence of a doctor to operate the ultrasound machine at the Chicalim Cottage Hospital (CCH) since the past four months has forced patients to visit private hospitals for the relevant services.
A senior doctor at the CCH has now admitted that a “flaw” in the government circular may have inadvertently contributed to the shortage of doctors at the CCH.
Many patients, especially the poor locals and migrants, who cannot afford treatment in private hospitals, visit the CCH, but are left disappointed as the ultrasound machine is not being operated in the absence of a specialist.
As a result, the CCH has no option but to ask patients to undergo an ultrasound scan in private hospitals at high costs.
“The ultrasound was earlier done free of cost here at the CCH, but the private hospitals charge nothing less Rs 600 to Rs 800. It’s very difficult to pay huge amounts at private ultrasound clinics and additional amounts for the medicines. We are very poor and CCH is our only hope to get cured from any sickness. We earn on daily basis and are not in a position to avail of private health facilities,” said a patient.
When another patient was asked if she had visited the GMC Hospital for treatment, she replied, “We are daily labourers and it takes the whole day to travel to GMC.”
Gangava Chavan, a pregnant migrant woman who had gone for an ultrasound scan told Herald that she had been sent back as there was no doctor to operate the machine.
“I have been advised by the CCH staff to either to go to GMC or to a private clinic. The charges of a private clinic to conduct ultrasound are very high and I am left with no choice but to travel all the way to Bambolim to get the ultrasound done,’ said Chavan.
When contacted, CCH Health Officer Dr Vikas Kuvelkar said the machine has been lying idle since the last four months, as there is no doctor to attend to the patients for ultrasound.
“A doctor who used to operate the machine has left for higher studies and as per the government order, all new doctors who complete their studies at GMC have to work at least for one year in other government-run hospitals,” informed Dr Kuvelkar.
“There is a flaw in the government circular which states that anyone who wants to pursue higher studies can discontinue the service and pursue higher studies,” said Dr Kuvelkar.
“Most of the doctors take this excuse of pursuing higher studies and discontinue the service after serving the government-run hospital for a short period. They then start their own practice,” remarked Dr Kuvelkar.
When asked whether he has brought this matter to the notice of the Health department, Dr Kuvelkar said, “I have already informed my superiors, but there is no replacement so far. Even the Health Under Secretary and other senior government officials in the Health department are aware of the situation, but nothing has been done so far. At present, we have Dr Kamat, who takes time off his busy schedule to attend to patients who come to the CCH for an ultrasound,” he added.
