New building adds facilities, aims to improve healthcare access and reduce pressure on district hospitals
Newly constructed Primary Health Centre building in Sanguem (Left). Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai inspects the facilities inside the new premises.
Sanguem
Ahead of its formal inauguration, the newly built Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Sanguem has been upgraded with better infrastructure and medical facilities to improve healthcare in the region. Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai shared this after inspecting the new building, which will be inaugurated today by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries.
The PHC, which earlier operated from a Portuguese-era structure, now has a modern building, making it a more complete healthcare facility.
Speaking to the media, Phal Dessai said the focus has been not only on construction but also on improving the quality of healthcare services.
He said the Sanguem PHC serves a large population from across the taluka, including nearby panchayats such as Rivona, Vaddem, Bhati, Colem, Kalay and Sanvordem. As one of the largest talukas, Sanguem is expected to see a rise in patient numbers, which the upgraded PHC is prepared to handle.
Highlighting the new facilities, he said the centre now offers X-ray services, dental care and improved primary treatment systems. Efforts are underway to add services such as trauma care, gynaecology and advanced diagnostics. Plans are also being considered to provide dialysis facilities locally, with four beds set aside for dialysis patients, reducing the need to travel to Margao.
The MLA noted that patient footfall has been steadily increasing, showing growing public confidence in the facility. He said future upgrades will be based on patient data and healthcare needs.
Responding to criticism from some people that the new building does not offer more services than the old PHC, Phal Dessai said development is being carried out through careful planning and assessment. He reiterated that the goal is to provide accessible and reliable healthcare, especially in remote and border areas.
The upgraded PHC is expected to ease the pressure on district hospitals by handling primary and minor ailments at the local level.
