Waterlogged entrance of South Goa district hospital poses health, safety risks

Margao: The South Goa District Hospital is once again in the spotlight, not for its healthcare services, but for the persistent issue of waterlogging that has been plaguing its entrance.

A brief spell of rain on Wednesday was enough to transform the road leading to the hospital into a waterlogged hazard, causing much inconvenience and posing risks to visitors.

The flooding, attributed to inadequate drainage and poor road planning, has become a recurring nightmare for patients, medical personnel, and visitors. As vehicles attempt to navigate the waterlogged stretch, they often swerve dangerously, increasing the likelihood of accidents on the highway. This has raised serious safety concerns among residents and visitors alike.

Emergency services were particularly affected, with ambulance drivers struggling to manoeuvre through the flooded area. The situation is dire for elderly patients, children, and people with disabilities, who face heightened risks while trying to access the hospital.

Local residents have expressed their frustration over the lack of action from the authorities despite repeated complaints about the drainage issues. “Every time it rains, we face the same problem. It’s high time the authorities take this seriously,” said a concerned resident.

Apart from posing accessibility issues, the waterlogging also raises public health concerns. Hospital staff have voiced worries about the possibility of an outbreak of water-borne diseases and the impact these could have on the South Goa District Hospital’s sterile environment.

Citizens have also called into question the quality of road work. Residents allege that various agencies conducted road-digging works in a haphazard manner just ahead of the monsoon, leaving the roads in a state of disrepair which only worsened during heavy rains.