PONDA: Residents of Ponda are increasingly vocal about the need for Sub-District Hospital (SDH) to receive District Hospital status, citing the necessity for improved medical facilities. With a growing population in the taluka, Ponda residents are advocating for the addition of a CT scan and enhanced medical equipment at the SDH. Locals express disappointment that the SDH, despite being a four-storey 220-bedded hospital, has not met their high expectations for advanced medical services.
Originally known as the ID hospital, the Ponda SDH was inaugurated in December 2012. The older, smaller ID hospital building was demolished in 2007 to make way for the current four-storey 220-bedded SDH, complete with operation theaters, an ICU, and other provisions.
According to social worker Viral Sapre, people had high expectations when this 220-bedded SDH was inaugurated. They hoped to receive comprehensive medical facilities at the Sub-District Hospital, reducing their reliance on the Goa Medical College (GMC) for various medical conditions. However, it appears that the hospital has not met these expectations, with many patients still being referred to GMC even for minor ailments. Sapre asserts that it’s now imperative for the SDH to attain District Hospital status to provide better healthcare facilities.
Ponda has seen a high number of accident cases in Goa, including fatal accidents. The absence of a CT scan at the SDH often results in accident victims being shifted to GMC, which can take over an hour’s journey.
Viraj Sapre emphasized the critical importance of the ‘golden hour’ for treating accident victims, which is often missed due to the time spent traveling to GMC.
Nayan Naik in Kavlem highlighted that the lack of major medical equipment, such as a CT scan, blood bank facilities, and blood test facilities, compels patients to turn to private hospitals or GMC Bambolim where the costs are high.
Over the past twelve years, shortages of sanctioned doctors for the hospital have also been observed.
Viraj reiterated the pressing need for the SDH to achieve District Hospital status to provide improved medical facilities and emphasized on the need for additional medical personnel, including another radiologist, senior surgeon, consultant in the Ophthalmic OPD, neurologist, CT scan machinery, nurses, and X-ray operators for emergency cases after 5.30 pm.
He also advocated for the availability of medications for diabetic and heart surgery patients on a daily basis and the handling of major accident cases round the clock.
The Medical Official at SDH acknowledged the dedicated efforts of approximately 40 doctors who rotate to provide medical services to patients. They emphasized that the hospital serves as a crucial resource for the people of Ponda taluka, with approximately 500 patients visiting OPDs regularly.
The official stated that proposals for a CT scan, blood bank, and other facilities have already been submitted to the government.
