8 superspecialty block OTs not working due to staff crunch, says Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane

Porvorim: Eight of 14 operation theatres at the GMC’s superspecialty block (SSB) are non-functional because of the non-availability of anaesthetists and a CT scan machine, health minister Vishwajit Rane said in a written reply in the House on Monday.
These eight major operation theatres belong to the neurosurgery, urology, plastic surgery, paediatric surgery, and emergency operation departments, Rane stated in response to a question by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar.
“The issue of shortage of anaesthetists is actively being addressed by govt,” Rane said and added, “The CT scan machine, which is a requirement of the neurosurgery department, will be installed shortly.”
The superspecialty block has 12 major operation theatres and two minor operation theatres. Three of the major operation theatres are fully functional and belong to cardiovascular and thoracic surgery sections. One minor operation theatre is fully functional and belongs to the plastic surgery department.
A total of 1,231 operations were carried out in these operation theatres between January 29, 2024, and March 10, 2025, Rane stated.
If there is increased demand, one minor operation theatre will be made functional, Rane stated in response to Borkar’s question.
The cardiology wards, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery ICU and ward, oncology ward, urology ward, centre for IVF, nephrology OPD and IPD with dialysis unit, endocrinology, paediatric surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and neurology wards have been shifted to the SSB.