The renovation work of the Portuguese-era building which houses the Government Primary Health Centre (PHC), Sanguem is nearing completion and the roof work of the same will be completed before monsoon.
Undertaken by GSIDC the work is going on in full swing and the renovation of the staff quarters undertaken at the cost of Rs 49 lakh stands completed, informed GSIDC officials. The cost of the renovation of the PHC building is however not yet worked out as the contractor is paid in phases, claimed the GSIDC officials. The final figure of the renovation work of the PHC building will be disclosed only after its completion.
The GSIDC officials informed that the work of the renovation of the Portuguese era building comprises of a new roof top of galvanized sheets, interior plastering, repairs of compound wall, construction of a ramp and other sanitary works.
It is pertinent to note that the building was badly in need of repairs. Leakages on account of the monsoon coupled with damaged sanitary ware were a regular feature in the old PHC premises.
The PWD had difficulty in maintaining the building as the structure was in a dilapidated condition and was in need of urgent repairs.
Incidentally, the building could not be demolished to pave way for a new building due to its heritage value. The GSIDC is only undertaking the repairs and maintenance work of the building, informed Avinash, a site supervisor.
Ironically, though the repairs and the maintenance work have been welcomed by the people of Sanguem, but what worries them is what kind of facilities will be provided at the centre after its renovation.
The Sanguem PHC is known for its poor facilities since its inception. But will the new look provide any additional infrastructural facilities or will there be any improvement in the services presently provided at the Centre, question the citizens.
The mere new look will in no way benefit the people and those visiting the centre for medical needs.
When asked as to whether there will be any up gradation in the services at the PHC after its renovation, the officials working at the Sanguem PHC replied in the negative.
Even after the renovation work, the facilities provided at the Centre will not be improved except for a new ramp and stretcher facilities, which the PHC has been lacking till date.
The Sanguem PHC caters to the populace of around 41481 people and is equipped with 20 beds (ten each for males and females) and has its services extended to 13 sub health centres and two rural medical dispensaries. Though the PHC had a full-fledged X-Ray unit, it was never put to use and remained non-functional a few months after its installation.
The people in Sanguem have urged the authorities concerned to improve the medical facilities provided at the centre as the improvements in the infrastructural facilities will cater to the more people rather than just the mere renewed look.
