Arpita Srivastava
Mapusa
The CT scan machine at the North Goa District Hospital, Peddem, has been non-functional for nearly two years, forcing patients — including accident cases — to be referred to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) for scans and further treatment.
Hospital sources confirmed that the non-functional machine has caused inconvenience, particularly during evening and night hours when emergency cases are frequent. Although the hospital has a tie-up with a private service provider and patients are referred for scans after registration at the casualty ward, several cases are shifted to GMC.
Officials said the hospital is likely to receive a new machine within the next two to three months.
Sources said around 600 cases are referred to GMC for treatment, of which about 200 are likely referred specifically for scans.
The hospital caters not only to residents of North Goa but also to people from neighbouring border villages of other states. Patient inflow has increased several-fold since its inception, with footfall rising significantly over the past decade. At present, around 1,200–1,400 patients visit various OPDs daily, while casualty attendance ranges between 400–500 patients per day.
An ICU facility has been started at the hospital, where around 70–75 patients are treated on the premises, providing major relief to patients and their families.
Despite the high influx, the hospital faces multiple challenges affecting its functioning. These include shortages of ambulances and human resources such as MTS staff, X-ray technicians, medical officers, nurses, radiologists and physicians.
Sources said that although Tuem hospital has been opened to provide relief to local residents, some staff from the North District Hospital have been posted there, adding to the strain. There is also a shortage of security guards. The hospital does not have a dedicated ambulance service and is currently using an ambulance brought from a neighbouring taluka health centre, besides relying on 108 ambulances.
However, two ambulances are insufficient, especially as travel time to GMC has increased due to traffic congestion.
A senior hospital official said the Directorate of Health Services has been informed about the requirements and necessary steps are being taken.
A proposal for an upgraded mortuary is also in the pipeline.
