South Goa District Hospital struggles with lack of Cardiologists
Shortage of Doctors
Margao: The South Goa district hospital, a major healthcare facility serving the South district, is facing a severe healthcare crisis. Despite its significance, the hospital lacks both a cardiology department and a cardiologist to address the needs of patients with heart-related conditions.
The hospital currently offers cardiology consultations once a week, every Thursday, which is insufficient to meet the growing demand. The shortage of cardiologists, combined with the increasing number of patients with cardiac issues, leaves the hospital with no choice but to refer patients to the Goa Medical College in Bambolim for further treatment.
Due to the lack of a cardiologist or a dedicated cardiology department at South Goa District Hospital, patients have relied on Dr Eddie, a senior physician, to address their cardiac health concerns. The situation is expected to worsen with the retirement of Dr Edward D'Mello, a senior physician who has served the community for 32 years.
Despite repeated assurances from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the hospital remains without a cardiology department. Over two years ago, the hospital was commissioned with promises of establishing both cardiology and urology departments, yet the necessary infrastructure is still lacking.
On Monday, a Congress delegation, led by South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, South Goa District Congress Chief Savio D’Silva, and leader Savio Coutinho, visited South Goa District Hospital to assess the status of a promised cardiology department. Upon arriving at the hospital, they discovered that it lacked even a full-time cardiologist, highlighting the significant gaps in healthcare services for the region’s cardiac care needs.
Viriato expressed concern over the absence of a cardiologist at South Goa District Hospital, which serves the entire district. He pointed out that the hospital only has a visiting consultant on Thursdays. As a result, patients with cardiac and hypertension issues are often referred to the GMC in Bambolim. Viriato emphasized that this situation is unsustainable and requires immediate attention.
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Captain Viriato told the media that he would honour the promise of providing an ambulance to the South Goa district hospital out of MLPAD funds. “I have sanctioned the ambulance after former MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho drew my attention to the ambulance shortage plaguing the district hospital after a resident of Colmorod died in an accident,” he said.
