Panaji, Goa, October 10, 2026: Manipal Hospital Goa has introduced its first Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) facility, marking an important development in access to advanced diagnostic services for lung and chest diseases in the state. The minimally invasive technology will support the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, as well as the evaluation of tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lymphoma and other conditions affecting the chest.
The launch event began with a welcome address by Dr. Stacie Fernandes, who hosted the programme and welcomed the dignitaries and attendees. The formal inauguration was marked by a ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony attended by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Dr. John Muchahary, Dr. Ashwini Colaco, Dr. Uday Kakodkar, Dr. Durga Lawande and Dr. Pravin Bhat.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of making specialised diagnostic procedures available within Goa. The availability of EBUS locally is expected to help reduce the need for patients and their families to travel outside the state for investigations, thereby easing the associated travel, accommodation, food and other expenses.
What is EBUS and how does it help?
Endobronchial Ultrasound combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound imaging to help doctors examine structures within the chest, particularly mediastinal lymph nodes. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube is passed through the airways, while ultrasound guidance helps clinicians identify lymph nodes and collect tissue samples for laboratory examination.
EBUS is particularly valuable in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. It can also assist in investigating conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lymphoma and other diseases involving chest lymph nodes. In selected cases, the technique can help avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
Strengthening specialised respiratory care
Dr. Ashwini Colaco, Consultant Pulmonologist at Manipal Hospital Goa, described EBUS as a significant advancement in respiratory medicine.
She noted that the technology enables doctors to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes and obtain tissue samples through a minimally invasive procedure. Its introduction in Goa is expected to strengthen specialised pulmonary care and give patients access to advanced diagnostic facilities closer to home.
Dr. John Muchahary, Consultant in Interventional Pulmonology at Manipal Hospital Goa, said the facility would strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, particularly for patients with suspected malignancies, unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy and complex thoracic diseases.
He emphasised the importance of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach in reaching definitive diagnoses and supporting comprehensive patient care.
Supporting accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment
Dr. Brizellda Dcunha, Consultant Pathologist at Manipal Hospital Goa, highlighted the role of EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in obtaining tissue samples to investigate infections, inflammatory conditions and cancer.
She also explained the value of Rapid Onsite Evaluation (ROSE), which enables preliminary assessment of collected samples during the procedure and can help improve diagnostic adequacy. Depending on the sample and clinical requirements, the material obtained may also support specialised investigations, including genetic testing, which can inform personalised treatment planning.
Hospital reaffirms commitment to advanced diagnostics
Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Goa, said the launch reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to bringing advanced, minimally invasive diagnostic technologies to the state. He highlighted the potential for local access to support timely diagnosis and treatment planning while reducing the need for patients to seek specialised investigations outside Goa.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital Goa. He acknowledged the contributions of the hospital leadership, clinical teams and supporting departments, while recognising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in expanding access to specialised diagnostic services.
Expanding access across Goa and the Konkan region
The EBUS facility is expected to strengthen collaboration among pulmonology, medical and radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and thoracic surgery teams. This coordinated approach can help clinicians establish diagnoses and plan appropriate treatment for patients with lung cancer and other complex chest conditions.
With the introduction of this technology, Manipal Hospital Goa aims to expand access to minimally invasive diagnostics for patients across Goa and the wider Konkan region, including areas extending from Kolhapur to Mangaluru.
The development represents a step towards making specialised respiratory investigations more accessible within the region, helping patients seek advanced diagnostic care closer to home.
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