Daijiworld Media Network - Canacona
Canacona, Oct 17: Local residents raised several concerns over medical services, staff attendance and basic amenities at the Canacona Community Health Centre (CHC) during Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s visit on Friday.
Rane inspected the healthcare facilities and reviewed the conditions in the wards along with local MLA Ramesh Tawadkar.
During the visit, residents submitted a memorandum to the minister seeking urgent improvements in the functioning of the health centre. They said shortcomings in medical services and infrastructure were causing daily inconvenience to in-patients and people visiting the facility for treatment.
One of the key demands was the introduction of a biometric attendance system for doctors and other staff to ensure punctuality and accountability. Residents also sought strict enforcement of the 9 am outpatient department (OPD) schedule, alleging that services often begin only around 10 am or later.
The memorandum called for consultants to report for duty on time and for the physician to conduct compulsory daily ward rounds. Residents also demanded the immediate transfer of a health officer whom they accused of negligence.
They further sought adequate deployment of doctors at all rural medical dispensaries across Canacona taluka to ensure that residents have access to timely medical care closer to their homes.
To address overcrowding at the existing facility, the residents proposed reopening the OPDs in the old hospital building, which is currently vacant. They suggested completing the pending repairs and renovation work to make the building operational.
Several infrastructure-related issues were also highlighted in the memorandum. These included the installation of a permanent drainage system, provision of a dedicated water supply to the dialysis unit and immediate installation of a water pump.
The residents also called for urgent repairs to defective electrical systems and restoration of the elevator after a thorough inspection to ensure its safe operation.
The memorandum urged the health department to address the concerns promptly and improve the overall functioning of the CHC, with particular emphasis on reliable medical services, staff accountability and essential infrastructure.