Govt to HC: ICU in hospitals will become operational by the end of May

Margao: The state government has informed the High Court that the intensive care unit (ICU) of the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) in Margao will become operational by the end of May 2024.

The High Court was also informed that the Intensive Care Unit (ITU) is expected to be operational on May 30, 2024. The Advocate General (AG) told the High Court that the ICU is fully equipped with necessary medical equipment, and the government has started recruitment. Efforts through advertisements to secure the services of consultants, medical officers, nursing staff and technicians.
Earlier operational during the pandemic, the nine-bed ICU and ITU were temporarily closed as staff returned to the Goa Medical College (GMC) after the pandemic subsided.
The matter was raised on the basis of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai, highlighting the inadequate facilities at SGDH, including the need to turn over ICU and ITU. Immediate action was urged.
It may be recalled that the Director of Health Services (DHS) had recently started taking steps for recruitment of personnel for ICU in SGDH. Advertisements have been issued for eight consultants, ten medical officers, one matron nursing post, six anesthesia technicians and 20 staff. Nurses, all on one year contract basis.
The Health Director had also assured the HC through an affidavit that once these posts are filled, the hospital will be fully operational, pending the government’s approval to the proposals for regular posts.