TNNPanaji: The functioning of the North Goa district hospital, Mapusa, was affected for nearly four hours on Monday due to power failure after a short circuit in the low-tension (LT) electrical panel near the diesel generator. After emergency repairs, power was restored at around 8.30 pm.While the hospital’s ICU remained unaffected, several other sections of the hospital were left without electricity. Patients’ relatives had to carry patients manually due to non-functioning of elevators.“By evening, the hospital plunged into darkness. Sweltering heat and humidity made things difficult, Nonetheless, we managed to keep things going,” said a nurse.A senior hospital official said that as a precautionary measure, authorities decided to disconnect power to the generator system to avoid any further risk. They did not want to take any chances after the short circuit occurred near the generator set.Officials from the electricity department, PWD, and the hospital’s maintenance team jointly worked to rectify the fault and restore power supply. The official said a comprehensive maintenance check of the hospital’s electrical infrastructure will be taken up on Sunday to prevent similar incidents.Congress’ Amarnath Panjikar said it was unacceptable that a major govt hospital that serves thousands of patients was left without power for hours. “A major power outage raises serious doubts about the emergency back-up of the hospital. Govt must have an inquiry done to avoid any mishap,” he said.
