the goan I network
PORVORIM
With a growing number of people seeking treatment at the non-bedded Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Porvorim, there are demands to upgrade it into a full-fledged hospital and to shift it to a spacious location.
The PHC, which is housed in an area of around 300 sq metres in a PWD building, began operations in April 2017.
The PHC caters to around 44,000 people in the villages of Penha de Franca, Salvador do Mundo, Socorro and Guirim through its seven sub-health centres.
Initially, the PHC used to get only 3-4 patients a day at but, the number has shot up to an average 150-200 now.
The PHC provides various services to the public. Malaria tests are conducted every day, while diabetes tests are conducted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Besides, No-Objection certificates are issued to restaurants, builders, etc. are issued after conducting inspections.
Ayurvedic and Homeopathic doctors also visit the PHC to check patients, while sources have said a Dental Unit will also be started here.
“Since the waiting room in the OPD gets filled, patients are forced to wait outside. Further, there is also a need to increase the strength of nurses and staff,” said a source.
Speaking to The Goan, Penha de Franca Panch Shamsunder Kamat said the feedback from people has revealed that the PHC is providing good service to patients.
“The workload has increased significantly during the last two years and hence, there have been demands to expand the health centre.”
“Recently, there have been media reports that the government has sanctioned a 20-bedded Primary Health Centre for Saligao. Considering the growth in population at Porvorim in recent years, the health department should now convert this non-bedded hospital into a bedded hospital”, said Kamat.
