Team Goemkarponn
Ponda: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday challenged the BJP-led Goa government to immediately upgrade the Ponda ID Hospital to a super speciality level, warning that it would launch a “Jan Andolan” if urgent action is not taken.
AAP leaders Valmiki Naik, Sandesh Teleikar Dessai and Minu Gawade visited the hospital on February 16 to assess the ground situation and interact with patients. The party claimed that the reality on the ground is far worse than what the government has projected.
Addressing the media, the leaders said that 110 vacancies remain unfilled at the hospital, including crucial posts such as Medical Superintendent, Surgeon, Radiologist, Paediatrician, Psychiatrist, Neurologist and Lab Technicians.
Citing data from a Legislative Assembly Question (LAQ), AAP further alleged that referrals from Ponda to Goa Medical College (GMC) have increased by 400 per cent over the last three years, indicating what they termed as a collapse of local healthcare services.
The party also pointed out the absence of key facilities at the hospital, including a CT scan machine, ICU ward and blood bank, stating that patients are being forced to travel to other centres for even basic critical care.
AAP demanded that the BJP government immediately initiate steps to upgrade the Ponda ID Hospital into a super speciality hospital equipped with advanced infrastructure and specialist doctors.
Warning of intensified protests, party leaders said that if the government fails to respond positively, AAP will launch a mass agitation across Ponda to press for improved healthcare services.
