PANJIM: While crores of rupees are being spent on modernisation of hospitals in the State, the parking inside the premier hospital Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bambolim is crying for attention due to lack of illumination.
After sunset, there is complete darkness and helpless relatives of patients admitted in the hospital are forced to visit the area to park their vehicles. Adding salt to the injury, the area is not even concretised but full of small stones which renders it unsuitable for walking. While security guards are posted in all the corners of the hospital, this area is unguarded making it more risky for the relatives and visitors.
The pitch blackness of a starless at nights is no match to the torch or flash of mobile phones used by people entering the area.
According to the security personnel deployed at the hospital, the area is being used for parking vehicles for many years. However, it is surprising that it has missed the attention of the authorities. As if the lack of proper illumination is not enough, the area is full of stones which inconveniences relatives and visitors making walking difficult. The helpless relatives of the patients who come from almost every nook and corner of the State are forced to visit the area and park their vehicles here. At any given point of time, there are at least 50 four-wheelers in the compounded area.
The visitors demanded that the parking area must be illuminated properly and asphalted like other parts of the hospital before it is too late.
Sudeep Gaonkar from Kalem said, “I am coming to the hospital for the last two days as my wife is admitted here. I am facing difficulty as there are no lights in the parking area. It is totally dark here. There should be proper lighting. Sometimes we have to visit the hospital for many days and we park our vehicles here.’’
Ashmita Naik, a senior citizen from Margao, said, ” I have been coming here for the last eight days. We park our vehicle here but we are forced to walk in the dark on the mud and stones as there are no lights at all. We feel insecure in such conditions.”
“There are so many vehicles parked here. If some parts are stolen or damaged who will be responsible for it. There There are no security personnel here,” Nandkishor Govekar from Bicholim pointed out.
When contacted GMC Medical Superintendent Dr M S Patil told O Heraldo that he would immediatly look into the matter and see to it that the needful is done.
