MAPUSA
The characteristically yellow-painted North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa looks imposing from outside, but an examination inside the hospital reveals that the relatively new structure is not in the pink of health.
After much dilly-dallying, the hospital was thrown open to the public in 2011. Six years down the line, the structure is showing signs of wear and tear and in some cases reflecting poorly on the quality of work.
Non-functioning STP, damaged floor and wall tiles, broken toilet fixtures and bathroom doors and fittings, peeling plaster and paint – a host of problems have been plaguing the key government hospital in the North.
The floor tiles have either lifted or have been broken at several places in almost all wards, corridors and even the ICU putting life of several patients at risk.
“I almost missed a fall after tripping on one of the raised tiles in the female surgery ward,” said a patient to The Goan. She said the authorities, however, fixed some of the tiles after it was brought to their attention.
At many places, wall tiles have also come off, exposing the shoddy work carried out on the building.
Even the operation theatre and the ICU were not spared as broken or cracked wall and floor tiles were noticed in these crucial departments.
In several wards, doors of the toilets and bathrooms have either broken or were not serviceable. Flush tanks, sinks and other utilities in several toilets and bathrooms were broken and needed urgent repairs. Even the public toilets for men and women were in need of urgent attention.
Peeling of plaster and paint has become a common sight in the hospital. Walls and roofs in several rooms and operation theatres have been affected by the peeling syndrome.
Sources said water leakage was the main culprit for the peeling problem.
The biggest headache of the hospital was the breakdown of the sewerage treatment plant (STP).
The hospital’s STP has stopped functioning several months back, creating a lot of nuisance and putting huge pressure on the hospital administration.
The hospital officials have to rely on private tankers to clear the sewage water whenever it threatens to overflow, which is not only time consuming but also a costly affair.
Thankfully, the PWD has prepared estimates for the STP and has sent it to the Directorate of Health Services, which now awaits administrative approval.
