Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Aug 30: Patients visiting the South Goa District Hospital will no longer have to undergo treatment on wheelchairs or stretchers, as the hospital has finally been upgraded to its full 500-bed capacity. The augmentation from 350 to 500 beds is expected to ease overcrowding and improve patient care.

Commissioned in September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with an initial 150 beds, the hospital gradually increased its capacity over the years. Despite this, overcrowding persisted, particularly during peak seasons, forcing patients to wait on stretchers or wheelchairs until a bed became available.

Following Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s instructions, the hospital added 150 new beds across male and female wards, ensuring that all patients can now be accommodated comfortably. Medical Superintendent Dr Rajendra Borkar said, “Henceforth, no patient will have to undergo treatment on stretchers or wheelchairs, except in emergency situations. Many beds are now lying vacant following the augmentation.”

While the infrastructure upgrade has been welcomed, healthcare workers have expressed concern over staffing. “Increasing 150 beds means potentially 150 more patients. The existing staff is already stretched thin. Without additional manpower, this could compromise the quality of care,” a hospital source said. Dr Borkar assured that the government has promised adequate deployment of doctors, nurses, and multi-tasking staff in line with Indian Public Health Standards.

As South Goa’s only district hospital begins operating at full capacity, both patients and staff hope that manpower reinforcements will follow promptly to match the upgraded facilities and maintain quality care.