PONDA: The lack of facilities at Ponda Sub District Hospital has become a focal point in the current election campaign in Ponda, with various political parties and politicians making promises to address the issue. Peoazple are hopeful that the hospital will see “acche din” (good days) after the election, with promises being made to improve its infrastructure and services.
Twelve years ago, the government demolished the old Hospital and constructed a new, larger hospital building. However, since its inauguration, the hospital has been lacking essential facilities such as CT scan, MRI, and a blood bank, as well as facing a shortage of doctors. This has resulted in patients from Ponda Taluka often being referred to the Government Medical College (GMC) for treatment.
Viraj Sapre, a social worker in Ponda, has been vocal about the issue, highlighting the frequent referrals to GMC and the lack of a permanent surgeon at the hospital for the past 12 months.
In recent campaign meetings in Ponda, Congress South Goa candidate Viriato Fernandes promised that if he gets elected in the Lok Sabha polls, he will try to provide CT scan and other facilities through the MPLAD funds.
Goa Forward Party president Vijay Sardesai during the campaign meeting of the INDIA Bloc said there are four Ministers in Ponda but the government hospital has remained neglected. He warned that he would approach the High Court if sufficient doctors, and essential equipment like CT scan, MRI, etc, are not installed at the hospital by August this year.
PMC Chairperson Ritesh Naik assured that efforts are being made to communicate with the Health Minister and the government to address the hospital’s needs. “Once the election code of conduct is lifted, all efforts will be made to provide necessary facilities and more doctors to the hospital,” said Naik.
