I, along with my colleague Joaquim Barros, visited our PHC-Siolim to check on the problems that our PHC staff is facing and how best our PHC can be maintained for the benefit of the patients and staff there. What is surprising is that the maintenance of the building is entrusted to the PWD section of Pernem when we have a PWD section office in Mapusa.
For repair maintenance, one has to wait for the staff from Pernem to come to Siolim. Secondly, the diesel engine generator needs a sanctioned quota of diesel. Who will bear this cost? Under CSR, the generator was provided, and it is up to the DHS to sanction diesel for the running of the generator. At the entrance, there is a puddle of water. When the ambulance brings in a patient to the centre, this area needs to be fitted with interlocking tiles.
The defunct solar panels should be removed from the ground floor and relocated to the roof, as this open space can be better used by building a trauma room fully equipped with machinery that can be handed over to 108. The Health Minister, Local MLA Delilah Lobo, and the Director of Health Services should establish a visiting committee to check on the shortcomings of the centre and how best the facilities can be improved for treating patients in OPD or emergencies.
