BICHOLIM Though the new primary health centre (PHC) in Bicholim is well-equipped with good infrastructure, the facilities available in the PHC’s operation theatres (OTs) are, however, not operational ever since the PHC’s inauguration a couple of years ago, as the government has failed to appoint surgeons, anaesthetists and radiologists. Even though private hospitals have expressed their willingness to utilise the government infrastructure to provide healthcare facilities to the people after the government said it was considering handing over the OTs in the PHCs to private hospitals, the modalities, however, are yet to be worked out. The government is yet to decide on whether to run these OTs on public private partnership (PPP) mode. The Bicholim PHC has two operation theatres, which are equipped with all the modern and hi-tech systems. While one of the OTs is meant for conducting general surgeries, the other one is dedicated to gynaecology procedures. With the facilities made available in the OTs, all general surgeries with the exception of some major surgeries can be performed in the PHC. Moreover, the PHC also has a provision for a digital control system, which can be used when conducting surgeries. Cleanliness is being maintained in the PHC wards and interiors. The X-ray machine is in working condition while technician is available three days a week. Though sonography and ultrasound facilities are available at the PHC, the procedures cannot be performed for want of a technician. A gynaecologist visits the PHC twice a week. The PHC has a room with provision for sterilizing equipment and a labour room. However, in case of complications during normal delivery, patients are referred to the District Hospital at Mapusa or the Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim, as the PHC lacks a surgeon. The PHC lacks a sufficient number of medical officers, with one of them being deputed to the Sankhali PHC. The Bicholim PHC has sub-health centres under its jurisdiction where the doctors have to pay visit once a week. Besides, three rural medical dispensaries (RMDs) also come under its jurisdiction at Dodamarg, Mayem and Chorao and the medical officers are required to pay visit there too. The PHC, however, has a sufficient number of nurses. The PHC owns two ambulances, which are in good condition. Considering all the facilities and infrastructure available at the Bicholim PHC, if surgeons for conducting ENT, orthopaedic, ophthalmic procedures and other general surgeries are either appointed by the government or the services outsourced to private stakeholders, people residing in the rural areas surrounding Bicholim would be benefitted to a large extent. A senior surgeon was of the opinion that the OTs could be put to good use by starting surgeries not involving major complications like appendectomy, fissures, piles etc.
