Despite several reminders, seven posts still vacant at Canacona community health centre

Poinguinim: With the nearest government hospital located 37 kms away in Margao, the Canacona community health centre (CHC) serves as an important lifeline for the taluka.
While the centre boasts of modern infrastructure and medical facilities, seven vacant posts are yet to be filled up despite several reminders to the authorities.
The CHC caters to a population of 50,000, especially patients from far-flung areas.
Health officer at the CHC, Dr Vandana Desai said that constant reminders have been sent to the directorate of health services regarding these posts that have been pending for three years.
The posts include ophthalmic surgeon, anaesthetist, junior surgeon and four posts of servants that have been outsourced as multi-tasking staff. Presently, there are six medical officers and 20 nurses working at the centre, Desai said.
The health centre began functioning in 2006 and is equipped with facilities such as ultra sound machine, X-ray machine, ECG (electro cardiogram) machine, operation theatre, labour room for performing deliveries, intercom, EMRI emergency medical room, homeopathic outpatient department, ayurvedic treatment, and a dialysis unit run by a Margao-based doctor who visits twice a week. However, tele-medicine facility is not available, Dessai said.
Dessai said there are three permanent drivers at the CHC, while two posts are filled on deputation. Of the centre’s three ambulances, one has been sent to the garage for repairs.
Also, the posts for multipurpose health worker are in place, while the watchman’s post which was vacant for a long time, has been filled, she said.
Dessai also said that although the post of extension educator is important, the government has transferred the person to Panaji health services, and has instead provided an information communication officer, which is the same as education officer.