the goan I network
CANACONA
Health Officer Dr Vikas Kuvelkar bore the brunt of the MLA’s displeasure, as inadequate facilities, shabby conditions and insufficient medical staff were noticed and highlighted during his visit to the health centre.
“The tank used for dialyses is kept on cement poles and can collapse at any time. Many of the medicines are placed in corridors, even when there are clear instructions on how to stock medicines,” said Fernandes.
“Toilet hygiene is very bad and no cleanliness is maintained inside the building nor around the compound. Tube lights and fans are not functional and patients and visitors have to suffer during this intense summer,” the MLA added.
At one place, he noticed an electricity board open and exposed to the public. He was also informed that there is no technical staff to operate the generator, while the staff accommodation is in such a poor condition that doctors and other staff have refused to stay in the quarters.
Some of the accompanying locals informed Fernandes that two of the doctors, who are locals from Canacona, were transferred out of the taluka, at a time when there is already a heavy shortage of medical officers.
They pointed out that the presence of local doctors had been extremely beneficial during emergency cases, when the doctors were off duty. They also informed Fernandes that the CHC still lacks the services of an orthopaedic doctor.
Unhappy about the condition of the CHC, Fernandes also confronted the health officer about the malfunctioning AC in the ECG room and the non-functional hospital lift. The MLA was then informed by one of the hospital staff that the lift maintenance dues had not been cleared and hence, the service contractor had been reluctant to repair the lift.
Members of Canacona Health Welfare Committee were also present during Fernandes’ inspection of
the CHC.
