It is learnt that after two-and-a-half years, the Goa government has finally appointed a surgeon at the Ponda Sub-District Hospital. It is unimaginable that a government hospital which caters to thousands of patients has been functioning without a surgeon for two-and-a-half years following suspension of the previous doctor. Patients had to reportedly seek surgical services at the Goa Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Bambolim, at the South Goa District Hospital or private hospitals. Physicians and surgeons are the backbone of any hospital. Surgeons are indispensable in hospitals because they perform operations to treat illnesses, injuries, and complications, often requiring complex procedures to save lives. They are responsible for leading surgical teams, ensuring procedures go smoothly, and managing postoperative care. General surgeons are particularly vital in emergency and trauma situations, handling a wide range of surgical needs. When Goa boasts of a robust healthcare system, the absence of a surgeon at a government hospital for more than two years tells a different story. The other key demands of the hospital like CT scan facility, a blood bank and other essential emergency services also needs to be looked into.
