Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 14: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane paid a surprise visit to the casualty ward of Goa Medical College (GMC) late on Monday night to identify gaps and strengthen emergency care services.
After inspecting the ward, Rane held a review meeting with Dean Dr J P Tiwari and senior casualty officials to discuss staffing, patient flow and preparedness during peak hours.
The casualty unit, a key component of the state's tertiary healthcare system, remains one of the busiest sections of the hospital. At any given time, around 15 to 20 patients are often seen waiting for assessment, treatment or decisions regarding admission.
A doctor attached to the casualty ward said the pressure rises sharply when multiple emergencies arrive simultaneously, particularly when two or three accident victims are brought in at the same time, requiring immediate triage, rapid investigations and coordinated medical care.
“Sometimes patients complain of a long wait, but we can’t help it. We don’t do it deliberately,” the doctor said.
Sources in the department said such sudden surges in patient numbers can put pressure on bed availability, equipment and staff, resulting in longer waiting times for other patients.
On average, Goa records one or two fatal road accidents daily, adding to the steady demand for round-the-clock emergency medical services.