Casualty ward stretched as only 2 doctors attend patients
With no additional staff yet posted, the upgraded South Goa District Hospital is under increasing strain.
MARGAO
South Goa District Hospital was back in the news late Tuesday night, as a large number of patients were seen waiting outside the hospital's casualty ward, which was being managed by only two doctors at the time.
Medical Superintendent Dr Rajendra Borkar confirmed a sudden rush of patients — including multiple road accident victims — between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. He stated that despite the overwhelming situation, all patients were attended to and treated by 11.30 p.m.
Several patients were seen anxiously waiting outside the casualty ward, unsure when their turn would come. A security guard was reportedly regulating entry into the ward and was also seen requesting media personnel not to film the long queue of waiting patients.
Speaking to 'The Goan', Dr Borkar reiterated that the situation was caused by an unexpected rush. “There were already 20–25 patients outside the casualty when victims from five different road accidents were brought in,” he said. “As usual, the casualty was attended by two doctors. The sudden surge created a bottleneck for about an hour, but all patients were treated by 11.30 p.m.”
When asked about staffing, Dr Borkar clarified that the hospital casualty is staffed by a total of six doctors, with two doctors assigned per shift.
However, sources informed 'The Goan' that the possibility of increasing the number of doctors in the casualty ward is unlikely at this point, as the hospital is already grappling with an overall shortage of medical personnel.
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Digambar, Damu to meet CM over SGDH manpower crisis
MARGAO: With the South Goa District Hospital facing an acute shortage of manpower following the recent increase in its bed capacity to 500, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and BJP State President Damu Naik have announced plans to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to address the crisis.
'The Goan' had earlier reported the growing burden on the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) since the bed strength was increased from 350 to 500 on August 22.
Sources informed 'The Goan' that when the hospital administration was directed to increase the number of beds, the government had assured that an additional 20 doctors, 50 nurses, and 50 MTS personnel would be deployed to support the expanded facility. However, the promised reinforcements have yet to materialise.
Responding to media questions about the strained conditions at the hospital, Minister Kamat acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying he, along with Damu Naik, will meet the Chief Minister next week to discuss the entire gamut of issues facing the South Goa District Hospital, particularly the manpower crisis. “We will do our best to ensure the matter is resolved at the earliest,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kamat also informed that Health Minister Vishwajit Rane is scheduled to inaugurate the newly established wellness centre at Malbhat, Margao. He further said the Health Minister will inspect the Ayush Hospital at Monte Hill to review existing shortcomings and expedite its formal inauguration.
