English
Abbé Faria Hospital
Panaji [Panagi/Pangim/Panjim/Nova Goa], Goa, India
Equipment and Infrastructures
The Hospital dos Alienados [Hospital of the Mentally Disturbed] was located in the central part of Monte de Conceição, in an area that was isolated at the time, with no neighbouring constructions. The first known reference to the creation of a psychiatric hospital dates to August 1916, when Alberto Germano Correia, charged by the government with presenting a general plan for construction of a lunatic asylum, submitted for consideration his plan for a modest modern facility for 320 such patients. The precise date the project was drawn up is not known, though the whole was under construction in 1948. The hospital was inaugurated on 11 July 1957. It closely followed indications from the 1916 plan, from the capacity to the arrangement by pavilions. As recommended in the plan, the isolated pavilions were parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the northwest-southeast axis, the advised solar orientation. Eight blocks were built at first; seven within a walled precinct and the eighth centrally positioned outside, leading one to think that the administrative services and reception were probably located there. That pavilion is a simple single-floor rectangle about 50 metres long. It is the only one with an open porch in the centre, which certainly marked the entrance. Parallel to it, on the other side of the wall and with precisely the same dimensions, was a second pavilion where the support services presumably operated. Beside these pavilions were four blocks, also single-storey, which were separate wards for men and women. They are simple buildings with a veranda on the north side, where the infirmary hall stands out due to its slightly raised roof meant to assure better ventilation. Finally, on the east side farthest from the entrance are two two-storey pavilions, also with very simple and functional architecture. It is known that enlargement work was carried out in 1959 and there may well have been other interventions. The complex currently comprises 18 buildings. The boundaries of the hospital enclosure were enlarged and a new fence built. In 1959 the hospital’s designation was changed to the Abbé Faria Hospital. At present, the pavilions are occupied by various public administration services.