MARGAO: Inadequate facilities at the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) have led to a surge in patients being transferred to the Goa Medical College, prompting citizens to voice their anger and demand immediate action. Margao locals condemn the government’s negligence in equipping the 500-bedded facility, forcing patients to travel to North Goa for life-saving treatment.
At the recently concluded Assembly session, this glaring lack of medical facilities in the South Goa District Hospital was discussed in detail and several MLAs of the district had also expressed their anger. From April 2022 to February 2023, a staggering 2,95,387 patients were examined for various ailments in the hospital’s OPD. Out of this, 31,195 patients were admitted at SGDH, and 3,612 were referred for further treatment. Tragically, three patients lost their lives while being transported from the hospital to GMC.
The lack of proper facilities has led to significant hardship for patients and their families. Residents of South Goa had high hopes for the new hospital, but their expectations have not been met. “People continue to suffer due to the lack of promised facilities,” said Christopher Fernandes, a Borda resident. He believes that the government needs to make arrangements to provide all the necessary facilities so that patients no longer need to be referred to GMC for better treatment. Maya Shirodkar echoes Fernandes’ sentiments, stating that the hardships faced by patients at the district hospital need to be addressed urgently. The hospital, which has a capacity of 500 beds, is currently using 350 beds, but several medical facilities are still not available.
“It is high time that the government takes action and provides the necessary resources to alleviate the suffering of patients in South Goa,” she said.
