Mapusa Residents Intensify Protest Over Unused Tuem Hospital
In Mapusa, frustration has boiled over into a chain hunger strike. The Tuem Hospital Kruti Samiti launched this protest on Sunday. They are demanding the immediate commissioning of the Tuem hospital. This facility has stood idle for seven long years after construction finished.
Community Support Swells the Ranks
On Monday, the hunger strike gained significant momentum. Senior citizens, local students, and prominent residents joined the Samiti members. Their collective voice grew louder. They insist the hospital must open without further delay.
The planned hospital will link to the Goa Medical College (GMC). Protesters argue the current community health centre fails to meet local needs. A Samiti member expressed the community's exhaustion. "The wait has been far too long for a facility that has already been built," they said. "The community health centre can't fully meet the needs of the people."
Key Demands of the Protesters
The strikers have put forward two clear demands:
- Make the fully constructed Tuem hospital operational immediately.
- Prioritize the hiring of local candidates for staff positions once recruitment begins.
Their protest highlights a critical gap in local healthcare infrastructure.
Official Responses and Timelines
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar has attempted to reassure the public. He promises the hospital will start functioning at the earliest possible date. However, a health official provided a more concrete, and disappointing, timeline.
The official explained that commissioning the entire facility will require at least six more months. This extended timeline is due to two major pending tasks:
- Staff Recruitment: The process of hiring doctors, nurses, and administrative personnel.
- Equipment Procurement: Sourcing and installing the necessary medical machinery and supplies.
This bureaucratic delay stands in stark contrast to the community's urgent need for better medical services. The hunger strike continues as residents wait for tangible action.
