Goa Advances Healthcare with Cancer Screening, Free Medicine, and Innovative Initiatives

Goa Advances Healthcare with Cancer Screening, Free Medicine, and Innovative Initiatives
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Cancer Screening Abhiyan

The initiative, featuring a Mobile Cancer

Detection Van, was launched on 23rd July 2024 in collaboration with Goa Medical

College and the Directorate of Health

Services. Till date a total of 11 camps have

been held at various locations across Goa and nearly 3,000 people have benefited from

such camps.

Free Medicine for HER2+ Breast Cancer Patients

Goa Medical College (GMC) now offers the Pertuzumab-Trastuzumab combination therapy free of cost for HER2+ breast cancer patients. This advanced monoclonal antibody treatment, previously available only in specialised hospitals globally, has the potential to cure breast cancer in its early stages, reflecting Goa’s commitment to accessible, cutting-edge healthcare.

Launch of Project Parivartan

Project Parivartan launched at Goa Medical College and Hospital. This initiative is a tttcrucial step toward tackling antimicrobial resistance while strengthening infection prevention protocols.

Over 1 Lakh Breast cancer Screening under

#SwasthaMahilaSwasthaGoa

This project is joint initiative and

collaboration between Department of Women & Child Development and DHS Goa for their invaluable contribution to the #SwasthMahilaSwasthGoa initiative, which has reached the milestone of 1,41,164 lakh breast cancer with 65

confirmed cases of breast cancer till December 2024.

Tele MANAS

reached 12,000 calls milestone

Over 12,000 individuals have been assisted. Offers 24x7 support via a toll-free number 14416 or 1800-891-4416 to people seeking mental support.

World Class Virology lab at GMC

The Virology Lab at Goa Medical College is raising the bar for excellence in medical research and diagnostics. @GoaGmc is proud to host one of the finest Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) in the country, certified to provide accurate and timely results.

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/goa-to-set-up-its-own-virology-lab-at-gmc-state-health-minister20200325111325/

Introduction of Randox

Analyzer in GMC

Introduction of Randox Analyser at GMC’s forensic department. This is the state-of-the-art technology that enhances the precision and speed of forensic investigations, delivering accurate results in critical cases.

Free Insulin for Goa’s Kids

The Government of Goa has signed an MoU with Novo Nordisk to provide free insulin to children under 18 years of age. As part of this initiative, 15 community diabetes centres have been established across the state. These centres focus on comprehensive diabetic care, offering counselling on nutrition, exercise, and medication compliance. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for young diabetics and enhancing diabetes management in Goa.

Inauguration of Tobacco Cessation Centre

Launch of Tobacco Cessation Centre during Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0. The new Tobacco Cessation Centre at GMC offers free pharmacotherapy and professional counselling services, to help individuals break free from tobacco dependence. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals offers personalised treatment plans, group therapy sessions and ongoing support to ensure successful outcomes.

Goa achieves 98percent cure rate for drug sensitive TB (DS-TB)

State level launch of

100 day TB elimination campaign

DHS Goa is driving impactful change in the fight against TB, combining cutting-edge diagnostics like NAAT with the influential voices of TB Ambassadors.

DHS Goa has deployed a Nikshay Vahan to enhance TB awareness, screening and treatment, especially in rural areas. We further have Nikshay Mitras and TB Champions which plays vital role in supporting TB patients. With intensified screenings, NAAT diagnostics, chest X-rays and food basket distributions, the 100 Days for TB Elimination campaign is a key step toward a TB Mukt Bharat and TB Mukt Goa. Usgao and Shiroda were the first two Panchayats that became TB Free in Goa.

Bed ICU at Hospicio South Goa District Hospital

A new 9-bed ICU/ITU has been commissioned at Hospicio South Goa District Hospital in Margao. Designed to provide critical care for the region’s population of 6.9 lakh, the facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and managed by highly trained medical staff.

Free EPOTREND 10K Injections

Goa continues to lead in kidney care by offering free EPOTREND 10K injections, complementing its initiative of free kidney transplants and dialysis for all patients. This comprehensive approach ensures no financial burden on those seeking critical kidney treatments.

Automated External

Defibrillators (AEDs)

Installation

In a bid to enhance public safety,

Goa has mandated the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in key establishments like casinos, hotels, and crowded public areas. This measure

underscores the government’s commitment to reducing fatalities from cardiac

emergencies.

Inauguration of fully automatic autoclave at RHTC Mandur

The St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar in the presence of Dean Prof Dr S M Bandekar, Under secretary. Trupti Manerkar, Sarpanch Shri. Prashant Naik and Dr Nitin Dhupdale inaugurated a brand-New Cell counter and new Autoclave at Rural Health and Training Centre at Mandur. The Cell counter is a 5-part Haematological Analyser (Horiba-Yumizen H-500). This is a latest cell counter, which can give output of 31 parameters. It requires only 20 μl of blood. The results are obtained in 1 minute. It can flag presence of dengue and malaria. It provides detailed hematological parameters. It can indicate any possibility of leukemia. It can flag for infectious disease.

The new autoclave is the Vertical autoclave fully automatic (BTI-02-A) latest sterilisation machine. Used for the sterilization of dressing, suturing, and OT related materials. It is fully automatic with latest technology, safe, and easy operability.

Bed ICU at Hospicio South Goa District Hospital

A new 9-bed ICU/ITU has been commissioned at Hospicio South Goa District Hospital in Margao. Designed to provide critical care for the region’s population of 6.9 lakh, the facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and managed by highly trained medical staff.

Free EPOTREND 10K Injections

Goa continues to lead in kidney care by offering free EPOTREND 10K injections, complementing its initiative of free kidney transplants and dialysis for all patients. This comprehensive approach ensures no financial burden on those seeking critical kidney treatments.

Automated External

Defibrillators (AEDs)

Installation

In a bid to enhance public safety,

Goa has mandated the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in key establishments like casinos, hotels, and crowded public areas. This measure

underscores the government’s commitment to reducing fatalities from cardiac

emergencies.

Inauguration of

Physiotherapy Centre

at CHC Valpoi

A new state-of-the-art physiotherapy center has been inaugurated at the Community Health Centres (CHC) in Valpoi, led by Dr. Anuja Gawas. This facility provides services such as exercise therapy and electrotherapy, addressing conditions like neurological disorders, musculoskeletal issues, sports injuries, and post-operative rehabilitation. The centre aims to cater to the physiotherapy needs of residents in Sattari and nearby areas.

Donation of 21

Advanced Ambulances

On October 11, 2024, 21 advanced ambulances, donated by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Molbio Diagnostics, were flagged off. These ambulances are equipped with State-of-the-art technology to enhance pre-hospital emergency services and significantly improve the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

Innovative Treatment for SMA with Risdiplam

Risdiplam, an innovative therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), is now available in Goa. This breakthrough treatment improves the quality of life for patients by targeting neuromuscular junctions to prevent muscle fiber degeneration.

Free Haemophilia Treatment with Emicizumab

Goa has introduced free Emicizumab therapy for 48 haemophilia patients, including those from outside the state residing in Goa. This monoclonal antibody treatment provides near-normal life by offering monthly prophylaxis, reducing complications like haemophilic arthritis and ensuring zero bleeds.

Lowest Child Stunting Rate in India

Goa boasts the lowest child stunting rate in the country at 5.84%. The state also has low wasting (0.85%) and underweight (2.18%) rates, reflecting its success in child nutrition and health programmes.

First State to Launch Adult BCG Vaccination

Goa has become the first State in India to launch an adult BCG vaccination programme, benefiting 2,476 individuals. This innovative initiative demonstrates Goa’s proactive approach to healthcare advancements.

Voluntary Blood

Donation Milestone

Goa is ranked second nationwide in voluntary blood donation, with Goa Medical

College collecting 20,582 units of blood in 2023.This achievement highlights the state’s success in raising awareness and

saving countless lives through voluntary donation initiatives.

Establishing Hand Care Excellence with GICAM

The Government of Goa has partnered with GICAM (Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main) to establish a World Standard Hand Surgery Unit and Centre of Excellence at Goa Medical College. The unit will provide surgical, rehabilitation, and prosthetic services, alongside a Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Fellowship Programme. This collaboration places Goa at the forefront of advanced hand care and upper limb treatment in India.

Creation of over 8.68 Lakh ABHA cards

Goa is setting benchmarks in digital healthcare innovation with the creation of over 8.68 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs), empowering citizens with accessible and seamless healthcare services. These accounts will help Goans to securely store, access and share their health records digitally.

Herald Goa
www.heraldgoa.in