59 vacant posts cripple services at Pernem CHC

NT Reporter

Pernem

As many as 59 sanctioned posts remain vacant at
the Community Health Centre (CHC), Pernem, affecting the essential medical services.

As per the reply provided by state government on the floor of House during the recently concluded assemby session to a question raised by AAP Velim MLA Cruz Silva, vacant posts at the Pernem CHC include a senior surgeon, two junior gynaecologists, a junior anaesthetist, junior physician, junior surgeon, junior paediatrician, four medical officers, homeopathic physician, dietitian, nine staff nurses, X-ray technician, aesthetic technician, compounder/pharmacist, laboratory technician, investigator, five MPHW (female), two MPHW (male), head clerk, LDC, cook, driver, Goan Sathi, and
17 MTS.

Locals said the CHC, which earlier operated as a primary health centre, and wherein operations and deliveries were being conducted, has seen key facilities like gynaecology department and paediatrics department virtually shut down due to the
lack of staff.

“It is the responsibility of the Directorate of Health Services to provide medical facilities as sanctioned by the government,” said Jose Lobo, president of Tuem Hospital Kruti Samiti.

Sushant Shetgaonkar, a Pernem resident, said, “People are forced to travel all the way to the North Goa District Hospital or to Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim to get treatment when the provision was already made. Pregnant women have to travel to Mapusa.”