Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: A joint inspection led by GSIDC Chairman Michael Lobo and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza on Tuesday highlighted several critical infrastructure gaps at the District Hospital, Mapusa — particularly the long-pending issues affecting the mortuary.
Lobo said he had recently held detailed discussions with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane regarding the urgent need to upgrade the morgue, which serves the entire North Goa belt. “A go-ahead has now been given. As Chairman of GSIDC, I will ensure the morgue is fully renovated and re-infrastructured, with a mechanism to upgrade the facility every 7–8 years,” he said.
The inspection revealed that the existing 12-compartment mortuary, built 14 years ago, has only eight functioning chambers. Plans are now being drawn up to install a new 20-compartment morgue to meet the increasing demand.
Lobo also said that GSIDC will undertake roof repair works at the District Hospital and is studying how these can be incorporated into a broader infrastructure enhancement plan.
During discussions with hospital staff, Lobo flagged issues regarding the non-functional CT scan machine, which has been pending replacement for several months. Officials informed him that a new machine has already been ordered and is expected to be commissioned within the next two to three months. Lobo stressed the need for timely installation and adequate technical staffing, adding that he would continue to follow up with the CM and Health Minister to ensure the hospital receives the necessary support.
He also thanked the CM and Health Minister for prioritising the mortuary issue, noting that residents had repeatedly raised concerns about frequent breakdowns and insufficient capacity at the existing facility.
