In July 2024, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government planned to establish a nursing college at the premises of the old Hospicio Hospital in Margao. More than a year later, that promise remains unfulfilled, and the 150-year-old heritage structure is crumbling from neglect.
Today, the historic hospital lies in a state of disrepair, with nearly 80–90% of the building left unused and deteriorating rapidly. What was once a cornerstone of Margao’s healthcare infrastructure has now turned into what locals describe as a “ghost house.”
The small portion still in limited use stands in stark contrast to the decaying remainder of the premises.
Vegetation has overrun the structure, with wild grass and creepers invading the walls and interiors. A large tree that collapsed onto the building has yet to be removed, further endangering its already fragile condition. The site, once visible and prominent from the main road, is now obscured by overgrown trees and dense foliage.
Since hospital operations were shifted to the New South District Hospital in 2021, little to no maintenance has been carried out on the old building. Despite its historical and architectural significance, the structure's heritage status has been ignored.
Locals fear that continued neglect will lead to the complete loss of a building that has stood for over a century and a half.
Social activist and Congress leader Savio Coutinho expressed concern over the government's apparent indifference.
“Time and again, we have highlighted the utter neglect of the old Hospicio Hospital premises. This neglect is slowly but surely converting these iconic premises into ruins,” he said.
He also pointed out that when a section of the premises was proposed to be used by Caritas for a care centre, the government had quickly intervened, claiming it had other plans for the site. Yet, since then, no concrete steps have been taken.
Heritage enthusiast Milagres Dias went a step further, calling the neglect a “sinister design” to erase the building’s rich history.
“There was hope that the old Hospicio would be restored with central funding, similar to the Azilo Hospital project, preserving its heritage value. Unfortunately, that hope is fading fast,” he lamented.
Residents and heritage lovers are now demanding immediate intervention to save the structure from total collapse. With every passing monsoon, the building’s condition worsens, and the gap between promises and action continues to widen.