TEAM HERALD
PONDA: Expressing displeasure over functioning of Sub District Hospital Ponda, Queula (Kavlem) Panchayat has decided to request the chief minister and health minister to make available necessary facilities at the hospital.
According to information, on Monday evening, a 29-year-old resident of Paunwada-Kapileshwari was shifted to the hospital. The villager was said to be an alcoholic and was suffering from withdrawal symptoms. However with no ambulance available, the patient, who was to be shifted to GMC Hospital, was left stranded in the hospital for nearly one hour.
Kavlem Sarpanch Rajesh Kavlekar, who rushed to the spot after being informed of the situation, said he was shocked to know that the lone ambulance of the hospital was out of order.
“How can a hospital manage to operate without an ambulance,” questioned Kavlekar.
“Besides, the 108 ambulance was not ready to shift the patient to GMC as the patient was alcoholic. I know there might be restriction, but in a situation like this what is the use of having such emergency services. The poor family of the patient was in tears and did not know what to do. There are even no private ambulances here,” claimed Kavlekar.
“Finally, the 108 ambulance after repeated requests took the patient to GMC and the patient is undergoing treatment. I feel the government must seriously look into the functioning of Sub District Hospital Ponda. I have brought this incident to the notice of Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar and also PWD Minister PWD Sudin Dhavlikar. I will also write to the chief minister and the health minister regarding the issue,” informed Kavlekar.
Sources in Ponda Sub District Hospital informed that the ambulance has already completed 2 lakh kms and it encounters mechanical faults.
The Health department is aware of the situation at the hospital and when in need, the hospital relies on 108 ambulance.
