OLD GOA
Stating that a 30-bedded Primary Health Centre (PHC) will initially be started at the old Ribandar hospital, Health Minister said the best of healthcare facilities will be made available to citizens at the PHC, which will be set up in integration with Goa Medical College and Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
Speaking to the media after inspecting the premises along with Panaji MLA Babush Monserrate on Thursday, the health minister further assured that a full-fledged health centre will be set up at the premises as it will cater to a large area.
“We will create an emergency centre wherein people in the area will get quality healthcare. A 30-bedded hospital is a must for this area as it will not only cater to Ribandar but areas around its periphery like Divar, Old Goa. This could become the focal point,” the minister said.
“We will try to convince Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to provide the main block to start the PHC with a minimum 30-bedded facility, which could be expanded later.”
“If the main block is given, we will be in a better position to begin immediately and provide all facilities required. Here, not much work is required as it only needs to be refurbished. Currently, we are not in a position to start a proper health centre with what we have been allotted,” he said.
The minister promised that certain diagnostics would be made available with senior specialists from GMC paying visits.
“Interns from GMC, DHS staff could be placed here as it will run in a different model. We will not offer a mediocre facility but will provide quality healthcare where the diagnosis will be proper and senior specialists from GMC will visit the centre,” the health minister said while stating that Babush’s demand was justified.
When informed that people of Ribandar have demanded a full-fledged hospital and not a PHC, the health minister said a PHC is what can happen at the site.
“It could be called a primary health centre or community health centre. If you look at CHCs in Sattari, Pernem, Bicholim, Sanquelim, all health facilities are available. What we are committing is that the PHC here will not only be under DHS but will be set up in integration with GMC,” the minister said.
“Once we get the main block, we will carry out activities, including a 24x7 casualty. It will not be an ordinary PHC or CHC which is going to be set up but will be run professionally. Mobile facilities like ultrasound, X-ray can also be provided,” he said.
“But first, we need to start somewhere and slowly expand. A proper decision, though, will be taken only after meeting the CM. As for the timeline, it can be given only after inspection by the chief minister,” he added.
Panaji MLA Babush Monserrate said he would personally ask CM to inspect the premises so that the main block is allotted.
“We want all health facilities to be provided here. We are not going to start something just to fulfil a promise. People of Ribandar have been neglected for long although they are part of CCP. CCP has also been giving step-motherly treatment to the area. I will ensure that the needs of Ribandar people are fulfilled,” he said.
GMC Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar and Director of Health Services Dr Jose D’Sa were also present for the inspection.
