MARGAO
Despite the clock ticking since the retirement of senior physician Dr Eddie D'Mello on December 31, the South Goa District Hospital at Hospicio continues to operate without a senior physician at the helm.
Strangely, the government has yet to appoint a replacement for Dr Eddie, leaving a critical gap in the hospital’s leadership. It has now been nine days since the Director of Health Services issued an order to senior physician Dr Sujata Prabhugaonkar, attached to the Ponda sub-district hospital, to make her presence felt at Hospicio on alternate days, starting from January 1.
Inquiries by 'The Goan' have revealed that Dr Sujata has not reported to the South District Hospital so far. The reason is not far to seek. According to sources, Dr Sujata has not been relieved from Ponda Sub-district Hospital, and as a result, she cannot report for duty in Margao on alternate days.
When 'The Goan' contacted Hospicio South Goa District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Rajendra Borkar to shed light on the question of whether any senior physician had taken charge of Hospicio post-Dr Eddie’s retirement, he replied with a firm "no". In fact, Dr Borkar said he has drawn the attention of the Director of Health Services to the situation at the premier South Goa District Hospital due to the absence of a senior physician. Dr Borkar, however, hastened to add that around four junior physicians are presently attached to the Hospicio South Goa District Hospital.
Dr Eddie, who retired on December 31 after putting in around 32 years of service, had literally been the face of Hospicio Hospital over the years. In fact, sources said patients admitted to the government-run hospital had trust and faith in him when he used to take the daily morning rounds. Though the government had reportedly offered him an extension, Dr Eddie had politely turned down the offer before bidding adieu to the hospital on December 31.
