Vehicles lie abandoned at the Canacona Community Health Centre premises. (Right) Sewage flows out from a septic tank.
Photo Credits: The Goan
CANACONA
In Canacona, what was meant to be a sanctuary of healing has transformed into a breeding ground for diseases and a haven for pests. The Community Health Centre (CHC), the sole government hospital in the area, has become a source of distress rather than relief for the local populace.
The premises of the CHC complex are marred by neglect, with trash strewn indiscriminately and vegetation left unchecked. The surroundings paint a grim picture of decay, with overgrown foliage providing ample shelter for reptiles, including venomous snakes, posing a threat to patients and staff alike.
Sanitation standards around the hospital have plummeted, with the compound resembling a dumping ground rather than a medical facility. The overflowing septic tank has created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while abandoned vehicles litter the area, contributing to the unsanitary conditions.
Critical infrastructure such as water tanks and electricity transformers are engulfed by vegetation, rendering them inaccessible and potentially hazardous in case of emergencies. Concerns over water safety have also been raised, with residents expressing fears of contamination due to the porous water tank used by the hospital.
Kissan Dessai, a concerned resident, voiced the community's frustration, highlighting the irony of sanitation workers preaching cleanliness while neglecting their own workplace. "The water used by the hospital doesn’t look safe and healthy, especially when it is used from the porous water tank. It looks like the dirty water reenters the water tank used by CHC for cooking and drinking. It is seen the water which flows from the tank dries up or re-enters the tank somewhere."
"People who are infected with vector-borne diseases come to this hospital for treatment, when this hospital itself is a hotbed for breeding of the disease-causing mosquitoes. How can people remain safe here?” asked Dessai.
Despite being located in close proximity to government authorities, including the MLA and district officials, the dire situation at the CHC has been largely overlooked. Patients seeking treatment at the hospital are met with unsanitary conditions and infestations of mosquitoes, exacerbating their health woes. Despite complaints, hospital staff have been dismissive, deflecting blame onto external factors rather than addressing the underlying issues.
As the locals grapple with the alarming state of their only healthcare facility, calls for urgent action resonate louder than ever. The neglect of the CHC not only undermines public health but also erodes trust in the government's ability to provide essential services to its citizens.
