VASCO: A security guard deployed at the Chicalim Cottage Hospital (CCH) on Monday had a narrow escape as pieces of the concrete slab came crashing down at the hospital.
According to sources, the security guard was seated on his chair near the entrance when a portion of the concrete slab fell down and missed him by a whisker.
An eye witness who was at the CCH with a patient shot a video clip on his mobile phone and immediately it was uploaded on social media. The video went viral on various sites and people reacted sharply against the administration for the delay in inaugurating the new district hospital complex.
Many on social media have demanded that the new district hospital be thrown open to public at the earliest. Others have also appealed to Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane to take cognizance of the matter and initiate steps so that the new complex can be inaugurated before any more untoward incidents are reported in the CCH.
Sources at the CCH said the ceiling at the hospital has cracked at various locations and iron rods in the ceiling were also visible at various places.
“We have brought this to the notice of the administration and our seniors on many occasions, but they only say that we will shift to the new premises soon,” complained the source.
“We are tired of this vague excuse all the time. A new complex is ready next door but is yet to be inaugurated and thrown open to public. The cracked ceiling poses great danger to patients, staff and visitors as well.”
“Today, the watchman missed but not all can be so lucky. Tomorrow, it could fall on someone else with tragic consequences. It’s high time the new premises are inaugurated as soon as possible,” said the source.
