MARGAO: Responding to complaints about the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) not being ‘fully-functional’, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane gave an assurance that the issues of procuring equipment that the hospital is lacking at present and hiring specialists on a contractual basis will be completed in two to three months.
Rane was speaking to media persons on Wednesday after the launch of a medical store at SGDH aimed at providing affordable medicines.
However, when asked about the High Court (HC) taking up a petition filed by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, about the inadequate functioning of SGDH, the Minister said he does not want to debate the issue as ultimately it comes down to delivering justice to the people who visit the hospital. On that note, Rane added that the government is preparing to file an affidavit before the HC with a compliance report about the steps the Health Department is taking up and added that this should be completed in a few months.
During the launch of the medical store, the Fatorda MLA had pointed out that the district hospital is still forced to transfer patients to Goa Medical College in Bambolim, for tertiary care.
“Not just medicines, SGDH needs holistic care. While dispensing affordable medicines to the needy is a welcome step, now with the first Pradhanmantri Bharatiya JanAushadi Kendra at SGDH, I’d like to remind the government of Goa of its own apathy to make the hospital a fully functioning facility. Without Trauma Care or robust Cardiac ICUs, it’s a shame that this ‘referral’ hospital is referring patients to GMC,” said Sardesai, speaking at the event. “I’ve raised this issue umpteen times, in the Assembly and elsewhere, and with no response from the government. I’ve taken the matter to the High Court on behalf of the people of South Goa for an early resolution. I expect that the New Year, which brings hope and optimism, would open the government’s eyes and save the SGDH from utter deterioration and decay,” he remarked.
The Health Minister also admitted that one of the main issues regarding SGDH was getting the required staff and to address that, the Director of Directorate of Health Services (DHS) had already moved the file before the cabinet for filling up the contractual posts.
Rane added that he spoke to the Chief Minister about the same who directed that the files regarding hiring be cleared at one time.
“We need doctors also to run the facilities. It is not only about equipment alone. Neuro physicians are required in case of accidents. We need orthopaedic surgeons too. A Cath Lab was assured by the government which has to become a reality in SGDH. Other things can be figured out,” said Rane.
“I told the Director to advertise all the posts. It is not easy to get doctors. You may get a medical officer but to get a super specialist is very difficult. For this we have held discussions on creating the required salary structure,” Rane added.
What use are medicines without a fully functional hospital, asks Vijai
