MARGAO: During the ongoing Assembly session, legislators from various parties voiced concerns about the infrastructure and services at the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH), calling for significant improvements.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai highlighted that the hospital remains a referral facility rather than a full-fledged hospital. He pointed out critical shortcomings, including the lack of a neurosurgery unit and MRI equipment. Sardesai also noted that only one out of four generators is operational, servicing only the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Sardesai criticized the government’s approach, stating, “The government’s refusal to put heart and mind in South Goa District Hospital is an affront to South Goans.”
He emphasized the absence of cardiology and neurology services, describing it as an “alarming situation” for residents who cannot rely on the facility. Sardesai demanded assurances from the health minister and the government to address these issues, mentioning his previous legal action on the matter.
Curtorim legislator Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said that there about insufficient ICU beds at the hospital.
“Patient referred to a private hospital in Margao from the SGDH did not receive her reports due to payment issues, “ Velim MLA Cruz Silva said
And questioned the payment responsibility in such referral cases and demanded assurances from the Health Minister regarding funding for patients referred to private diagnostic centers.
Citizens have voiced numerous complaints about the inadequate facilities at the SGDH. Many patients complained about being told to visit private laboratories or travel to Goa Medical College (GMC) for treatment. This not only causes inconvenience but also adds to the financial burden of patients seeking treatment.
Another common grievance is the frequent referrals to private hospitals or GMC for specialized treatments. Patients with cardiac issues or those requiring advanced surgical procedures often find themselves being transferred to other facilities due to the lack of necessary equipment or specialist doctors at the South Goa District Hospital. This results in delayed treatment and additional stress for patients and their families.
These issues have led to a growing distrust in the hospital’s ability to handle even moderate medical emergencies, causing many South Goa residents to bypass the district hospital entirely and seek treatment directly at private facilities or GMC, despite the additional costs and travel time involved.
It may be recalled that last month itself, Minister Rane had announced the recommissioning of a nine-bed ICU facility at the SGDH. This facility, which had been locked for over two years due to staff shortage, was made functional again with trained staff hired on a contract basis. At the time, Rane claimed this development fulfilled a long-standing need for the people of South Goa.
Citizens however pointed to the reality being exposed during the recent debate in the Assembly, which they said highlighted the continuing challenges faced by patients visiting SGDH and also the urgent need for comprehensive improvements at SGDH to meet the healthcare needs of the district.
Maximum people referred to GMC: Minister
PORVORIM: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that maximum patients from South Goa District Hospital, Margao were coming to the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim as referrals.
Speaking to mediapersons at Porvorim, Rane said, “South Goa District Hospital will be created as a centre of excellence. It is not only with specialised equipment that it can become one, but there is a need for specialist doctors.” He said the centres of excellence in neurology, orthopaedics and cardiology would be set up at South Goa District Hospital.
The Health Minister also said that diagnostics would be made available at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
Meanwhile, the State government will procure Rs seven crore worth Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine for the South Goa District Hospital, Margao.
