Only One of Eight Elevators Function at Indian Public Hospital

Only one of eight elevators at South Goa District Hospital in Margao, the commercial capital of the Indian state of Goa, is operational, Heraldo reports. The source says the elevator maintenance contractor has not been paid by the government, resulting in the units being out of service “for quite some time.” Doctors, patients, staff and visitors must wait for the lone functional elevator or climb flights of stairs at the complex, which appears to be approximately six stories tall. Despite complaints from local residents, including one who expressed anger at the government for “ignoring a serious issue,” Medical Superintendent Dr. Deepa Alfonso says he is hopeful. “The concerned authorities have responded to our complaints positively, and we hope [the elevators] will be repaired shortly,” Alfonso said.