Goa CHCs lack basic c-section facilities

Goa CHCs lack basic c-section facilities
Preetu Nair, TNN

PANAJI: While the Goa government crows about it’s ‘top-notch’ healthcare facilities, a recent survey found that 80% of the community health
centres (CHC), first referral units (FRU) in an emergency, are not equipped to conduct even a simple caesarean section. The survey found that only one CHC, of five in the state, has a qualified gyneacologist able to perform a caesarean.

The survey was conducted in 2007-08 and health director Dr Rajnanda Dessai says there have been changes since then. “The situation has improved and we now have gyneacologists in most CHCs. A caesarean is, however, not done at CHCs due to certain inherent factors.”

The ‘inherent factors’, include the lack of a blood storage facility and the non-availability of an anaesthetist. Sources also say there are times when doctors
at CHCs don’t want to take the risk.

The survey, conducted in 2007-08, found that though three CHCs had a functional operation theatre, only one, Ponda CHC, had a general surgeon and though they have been designated as FRUs, none had facilities to store blood.

Dessai, however, assured that this would change. “We are working on improving the situation,” she said.

There are, however, no caesareans performed at primary health centres (PHC) as these do not have a gyneacologist.
Though normal births are possible at CHCs 24 hours a day, the average number of deliveries a month at all CHCs are 60 and at PHCs even less, at 30. Compared to this, Goa medical college and hospital on an average conducts 123 deliveries a month.

June 27,2009, The Times of India, Goa edition, Page 1