THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
More than 25,000 patients from Goa’s rural healthcare network were referred to the Goa Medical College (GMC) over the past four-and-a-half years, giving a glimpse of the crucial role played by these community and primary health centres in the State’s public healthcare system.
Official data shows that 25,384 patients were referred to GMC from Community Health Centres (CHCs) during the period with the highest number came from Sanquelim CHC, which sent 11,702 patients, followed by Valpoi CHC with 8,884 patients.
Bicholim CHC referred 3,876 patients, while Pernem CHC sent 919 patients. Canacona CHC recorded the lowest number, with only three patients referred to GMC.
Among Urban Health Centres, Panaji accounted for 676 referrals, while Mapusa reported three referrals to the State's premier medical institution.
Data from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) showed Betki topping the list with 3,362 referrals to GMC. It was followed by Candolim with 2,917 referrals. Other centres included Casarvarnem (431), Aldona (445) and Cortalim (477).
Patients were also referred to the two district hospitals when specialised treatment was required by the rural centres.
In North Goa, Pernem recorded the highest number of referrals to the North Goa District Hospital at 6,759 patients. Other major contributors were Candolim (2,981), Aldona (2,675) and Casarvarnem (2,403).
In South Goa, Canacona CHC referred 10,195 patients to the South Goa District Hospital. Curchorem accounted for 5,467 referrals, while Balli and Cansaulim recorded 8,006 and 2,772 referrals respectively.
Health officials said primary, community and urban health centres provide services such as OPD consultations, homeopathy, Ayurveda, eye and dental care, immunisation, essential medicines, laboratory tests and ECG facilities.
Referrals to GMC are made only when patients require advanced treatment and all these referrals are closely monitored on a monthly basis.
