the goan I network
PANAJI
Patients at the state-run Goa Medical College (GMC) were in for the summer power failure routine after an electricity panel supplying power to the hospital broke down.
From 6 am to 2 pm on Thursday, electricity supply to GMC was on a hold, thus inconveniencing patients in the complex. GMC Medical Superintendent, Dr Savio Rodrigues, however, said there was backup and work went on as usual.
“There was a problem with one of the electrical panels in the hospital. Due to moisture, the panel stopped functioning and electricians from the nearby substation were summoned to rectify the problem. It was repaired and there was no major issue as such,” he said.
During the interim period, the hospital switched over to the generator and departments that were without power had been using extension boards. “We did switch over to the generator phase, and using extension boards, departments that were without power were connected. OT was carried out as well,” he said.
Dr Rodrigues also said that GMC had got its own backup system for emergency services in the hospital. He, however, said that if power systems across Goa had failed, it was an issue the hospital couldn’t control. “There is a backup that will work between six to eight hours. When power fails on one phase, the generator supplies energy to one unit in each room. In such a situation, we are therefore well-equipped,” he said.
Those most affected were patients lined up at the radiology department for X-rays and MRI scans. Patients were instead asked to undergo their scans on Friday due to the power failure. The MS said machines like the MRI scanner could not be used that day, as they tend to consume a lot of energy, and to be on the safe side it was restarted on Friday.
