Bicholim residents have raised a demand for the deployment of at least two doctors on night duty at the Bicholim Community Health Centre (CHC). Social activist Sachin Mayekar highlighted that the sole doctor on the night shift is unable to attend to all patients, leading to suffering and forcing patients to seek care elsewhere.
Critical Patient Left Unattended
On Wednesday, Mayekar reported that a critical patient was left on a stretcher because no medical staff was available. The only doctor on duty had gone for dinner, leaving the patient and relatives waiting until his return. Mayekar urged the government to appoint an additional doctor to share the workload and prevent such incidents.
MLA Urged to Intervene
Mayekar called on Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, who is also a doctor, to take up the matter with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. Residents believe that Shetye's medical background makes him well-suited to advocate for improved staffing at the CHC.
X-Ray Machine Malfunctions
In addition to staffing issues, locals complained that the chest X-ray machine at the CHC frequently breaks down. When the machine is out of order, patients are turned away or must travel to the Sanquelim Community Health Centre. Elderly patients are particularly inconvenienced by this recurring problem.
Residents are hopeful that their demands will be addressed promptly to ensure better healthcare services in Bicholim.
