Two years on, Ponda Sub-District hospital still lacks specialists, facilities

SANTOSH NAIK

 PONDA

The Ponda Sub-District Hospital set up two years ago to cater to the people of Ponda taluka and surrounding areas, is lacking specialist doctors, a blood storage facility, medicines, a 24-hour pharmacy and canteen facilities.

In the absence of these, people are forced to travel to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim for treatment.

The Ponda sub-district hospital has about 10 sub centres, including Bethora, Murdi-Khandepar, Wadi Talavlim, Kavlem, Bandora and Nagzar-Curti, under its care.

“The Ponda Sub-District hospital still lacks the status of a sub-district hospital, as it does not have some vital services and many facilities. This has compelled people to rely on Goa Medical College and Hospitals at Bambolim, which is about 35 kms from Ponda,” said Ponda MLA Lavu Mamledar.

“Proper and timely attention to patients is very essential. It takes almost one hour to reach GMC from Ponda. Very often, patients in an accident case or emergency case in Ponda taluka have died on the way or at the GMC because of the time taken to shift them. ICU and required medical facilities, including CT scan, should be provided at Ponda Sub District Hospital,” said Mamledar.

“I have written to the health department several times demanding better infrastructure and seeking specialist doctors. If there is a problem in getting doctors from the State, the government should attract doctors from outside the State at any cost by paying them better salaries,” said Mamledar.

According to official estimates, about 450 patients attend the Out Patient Department (OPD) per day and 40-60 patients are admitted. The hospital has a capacity of 210 beds.

There are two ambulances and four drivers. There is a mortuary facility to preserve 12 bodies. Sometimes, bodies from Hospicio (Margao) and other places are shifted to the Ponda sub-district hospital due to space constraints.

“Even after two years of inauguration, the hospital still lacks a canteen facility. It also lacks 24-hour pharmacy and blood testing facility. The condition of the linen is not good and some bed sheets are torn,” said the Ponda MLA.

“One dermatologist from Ponda is willing to provide free services to the public at this hospital twice a week, but the health department has not given permission,” he said.

When contacted, Ponda Sub-District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Pradeep Shinkre said he has been in contact with the health department regarding the need for specialists.

“The hospital requires about seven doctors. Though there is one orthopaedic doctor, another one is needed, given the high rate of accident cases,” said Dr Shinkre.

“Presently, seven doctors are managing the hospital on shifts, while five doctors are on leave. The doctors available with us are gynaecologists (3), general surgeon (1), ENT (1), ophthalmologist (1), physician (1), paediatrician (1) and psychiatrist (2), besides homeopathic and Ayurvedic doctors.”

“There 55 nurses to look after patients and the pharmacy is open during the mornings. The tender for canteen facilities will be made available after some time, as the process is on,” said Dr Shinkre.

Former chief minister Ravi Naik said the government should have ensured that young doctors graduating from GoaMedical College are appointed at the Ponda Sub District Hospital and other hospitals in the State.

“The government spends lakhs of rupees on their education and hence, these young doctors should have a social obligation in serving at government hospitals,” stated Naik.