Team Herald
MARGAO: The government may be boosting of the commissioning of new South Goa District Hospital in Margao, and health services provided over here. However, on the other hand the patients and their relatives are alleging that they are facing a tough time due to non-availability of medicines in the pharmacy of the district hospital.
As complained by the patients and their relatives visiting the hospital, this has been going on for the last several months. Adding to that, no private pharmacy near to the hospital, forces the people to move into the commercial town of Margao negotiating heavy traffic.
Reportedly, a few months ago Hospicio was shifted to a new district hospital. This hospital is surrounded with tight security, wherein even the media persons are not allowed to enter without the permission of the Medical Superintendent. People are raising questions pertaining to the poor services, mainly due to the non-availability of medicines in the pharmacy located in the hospital.
Speaking to Herald, Fermino Fernandes, a Margao native expressed anger over the issue.
“Many medicines prescribed by doctors at the SGDH are not available in the hospital pharmacy. Due to this, patients have to buy them from private pharmacies which are a heavy financial burden for them,” said Fernandes. Fernandes further alleged that this non availability of medicines is going on for months.
Reacting to the issue Savio Coutinho, social activist from Margao said it is rather unfortunate that the family members of the patients have to undergo further stress of running around Margao town for medicines.
“The plight of those who do not possess their own vehicles is unimaginable. On the account of the shortages and non availability of medicines, the doctors and hospital staff have to often face the heat,” said Coutinho.
“If the Health Department is trying to blame the elections and the Code of Conduct for the situation, then it is definitely a lame excuse,” added Coutinho.
However, Dr Ira Almeida, Director, Health Services categorically denied all allegations.
“I request the concerned patient or the relatives of the patient to produce the prescription of the medicines which they alleged are not available in the district hospital pharmacy, and will take the further steps immediately,” said Almeida.
