A regular outbreak of dengue and other vector borne diseases has put the lives of Velim villagers at risk. Statistics from the Health Department has revealed that from September 2015 to April 2016, about 30 patients were found to be positive for dengue in the village itself. At Cuncolim Industrial Estate, a few dengue positive patients were found. Besides this, more than 40 malaria positive patients were found in Balli Primary Health Centre jurisdiction. Cutbona in Velim and IDC in Cuncolim have been found to be the epicenter of this endemic.
Both these places are dominated by migrants and hence villagers are blaming authorities for their failure to scrutinize these alleged dengue carriers.
Cutbona, which is a fishing harbour has seen numerous fatalities due to the disease in the past. This has lead to fear in the minds of villagers and they blame health authorities and local politicians for their negligence and lethargy. Villagers claim that the PHC in Balli is too far for them to travel to regularly. Besides, it already bears the load of three constituencies. Hence, they demand for a Rural Medical Dispensary (RMD) at Cutbona with a permanent doctor in order to treat the infectious disease. Local village panchayat and MLA, Benjamin Silva have both raised their voice regarding the RMD but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“There is only one sub-centre in Velim. We need a permanent RMD here. The village has a total population of about 7000 and a migrant population of about 6000 and the fact that there isn’t an RMD in the area shows the negligence of the Health Department,” said Frank Fernandes,
a resident.
“The sub-centre at Velim is not equipped with staff and other needs. The doctor is also not permanent and comes only once a week. In these circumstances, it is difficult to control the outbreak of dengue and other vector borne diseases. Locals will blame the government and representatives for not showing the interest to curb this menace,” added Antonio D’Silva.
The PHC at Balli is also facing various infrastructure issues. There is a massive shortage of staff and medical professionals as well. The PHC currently caters to about 70,000 people and has sub-centres at Barcem, Fatorpa, Quitola, Morpilla, Cuncolim, Veroda and Velim. To make matters worse, there are only three doctors, five nurses and four cleaners who find it hard to manage the affairs of the massive area they cover. Additionally, they have to manage all seven sub-centres. “The doctors here have to manage outdoor patients, hospitalized patients, the RMDs, students of a degree college close by, three higher secondary schoos, 12 high schools, two middle schools, 33 primary schools and 49 anganwadis. How can this herculean task be managed by just three doctors,” questioned Velim panchayat officials who want an RMD so that there can be dedicated service to Velim in view of the dengue outbreak.
Health department officials have given the excuse they are not able to get doctors appointed for the vacant spots. However, Velim locals feel that it is the poor patients that suffer in this tussle.
