Development does not only mean infrastructure development – building highways, fancy bridges or airports. Development also, and more importantly, means Human Development. Quality Education and quality healthcare are two important pillars of human
development.
Goa has an elaborate health infrastructure right from the Primary Health Centres (PHC) at the village level, the Community Health Centres (CHC) at the Block level, the District Hospitals in the major towns and districts, and the tertiary hospital – the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) – at the State level. Added to this is the new Super Speciality block at Bambolim. Besides, there are a number of private hospitals across the State, mostly in towns.
However, having an elaborate health care infrastructure is not enough. There is need for ensuring quality healthcare in Goa which is paramount for the well-being and prosperity of its people.
In quality health care, the safety of the patient is of prime importance. Goa’s PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, GMC and the private hospitals must minimise the risk of harm to patients from medical errors, infections or other adverse events. Similarly, there should be proper sanitation, infection control and the use of evidence-based practices to ensure patients’ safety. The Health Department should have a team which does regular checks and
audits to ensure that hospitals make safety of the patient their priority.
Quality health care should also be based on latest scientific evidence and proven best practices. Treatments should be beneficial to the patients and bring about the desired positive result and improve the health of a patient.
Above all, quality involves patient-centric health care, according to the patient’s or family’s needs and should respect their choices. More importantly, quality health care should be timely. Health care should minimise waiting time and provide prompt response to the patients in need of medical attention. Diagnosis should be correct and should positively impact the patient.
Efficiency is another important aspect of quality health care. The GVK EMRI 108 Ambulance services should reach the patient, especially critical patients, within a maximum of 10 minutes and take the patient to the nearest medical facility depending on the criticality of the patient, after giving first-aid.
Most importantly, quality health care should be affordable. Though for the most part the government health infrastructure is free, there is a general preference for private medical care. The catch is that private health care is prohibitive as far as costs and affordability are concerned. Since health care is a service and not a business, the State government should review the pricing of health services, especially by private hospitals, within the parametres of law.
Since health is a vital service, quality healthcare should be accessible to all regardless of status, ethnicity, gender, etc.
Given the government and private health care infrastructure in the State there is need for a holistic approach that involves collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers and the community. The government, through the Department of Health Services, should indulge in continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement of healthcare services. Additionally, the involvement of patients in the decision-making processes and the promotion of a culture of safety contribute to a comprehensive understanding and implementation of quality healthcare.
Overall wellness and health of the population is vital to the vibrancy of the State. A healthy population is the backbone of a thriving society. Quality healthcare in Goa is vital to address the health concerns of its residents and to ensure that preventable diseases are managed effectively. By promoting wellness and providing timely medical interventions, a robust healthcare system can contribute to an overall improvement in the health indicators of the State.
Finally, the health care system should be pro-active to ensure disease prevention, which brings us to preventive health care. Our medical professionals at the State, district, block and village level should educate the population to stay fit and healthy. They should introduce public health initiatives, vaccination programmes,and disease awareness campaigns to prevent the outbreak of illnesses. Additionally, a well-equipped healthcare system is essential for effective disease management, ensuring that outbreaks are controlled swiftly and efficiently.
Such a health care system will not only enhance the overall quality of life and produce a productive workforce, but will lead to the overall prosperity of the State.
Though quality health care may look like a routine activity, the State has to prioritise quality healthcare in Goa as a matter of strategic investment in the State’s future. By doing so, Goa can set a benchmark for healthcare excellence, ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for its residents.
