Fit & Fabulous

Goa Government Appoints Frazella De Araujo to Lead Health and Women and Child Development Departments


In a significant move, the Goa government has appointed Frazella De Araujo as the head of both the Health and Women and Child Development departments, as announced by Minister Vishwajit Rane . This appointment is effective immediately, and De Araujo will also serve as an advisor to the Health Minister.

In her new role, De Araujo will be responsible for overseeing the operations of both departments, including outreach initiatives and policy development.

De Araujo’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the healthcare and social services sectors in Goa. Her experience and expertise in creating and implementing outreach programs will be invaluable in driving positive change in the state.

As the head of both departments, De Araujo’s key responsibilities will include:

  • Overseeing the operations of the Health and Women and Child Development departments
  • Developing and implementing outreach initiatives and policies
  • Collaborating with stakeholders to drive positive change in the healthcare and social services sectors

De Araujo will be supported in her new role by Dr. Geeta Deshmukh, who will provide expertise and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation of initiatives.

This appointment is a significant step forward for the Goa government, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s healthcare and social services sectors.

Fit & Fabulous

Goa Medical College Sets New Benchmark in Accessible Fertility Care


In a groundbreaking achievement, Goa Medical College (GMC) has emerged as the only government hospital in India to offer free IVF treatment since 2023. This pioneering effort was showcased at the 5th edition of the ET Healthworld Fertility Conclave in Mumbai, where Dean of GMC, Dr. S.M. Bandekar, presented the college’s remarkable success story.

With 64 IVF cases, 14 successful conceptions, and 5 safe deliveries, GMC has set a new standard in accessible fertility care. This achievement is a testament to the college’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare services to the people of Goa.

Expert Insights and Discussions

Dr. Bandekar was joined by Dr. Muriel Cardozo, HOD OBG at GMC, and Dr. Kedarnath Padte, Obstetrician and Gynecologist from Dr. Kedar’s Hospital & Infertility Clinic. Their expert insights added significant value to discussions on advancements and challenges in the fertility sector.

A Vision to Lead in Innovative Healthcare

We take immense pride in this achievement and remain committed to expanding world-class healthcare services for the people of Goa. Showcasing our work at ET Healthworld Fertility Conclave reaffirms our vision to lead in innovative healthcare. We aim to make more such representations nationally and internationally, ensuring Goa continues to set new benchmarks in public healthcare.

“Navigating the HeART of Fertility”

The 5th edition of the ET Healthworld Fertility Conclave was themed “Navigating the HeART of Fertility: Exploring New Frontiers in IVF.” This conclave continues to drive innovation in reproductive healthcare, and we are honored to have been a part of it.

Fit & Fabulous

Celebrating a Week of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgeries at Manipal Hospital Goa


Goa, 25th February 2025 โ€“ Manipal Hospital Goa marks a successful week of advanced robotic knee replacement surgeries, revolutionizing patient care and recovery outcomes. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Rohan Dessai, Consultant Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeon at Manipal Hospital Goa, the hospital conducted six robotic-assisted total knee replacements over the past five days, benefiting patients with enhanced precision, faster recovery, and minimal post-operative discomfort.

The cutting-edge robotic system, which was stationed at the hospitalโ€™s operation theatre throughout the week, enabled Dr. Rohan Dessai to perform single and bilateral knee replacements with unparalleled accuracy. One of the key advantages of this robotic technology is its intra-operative precision, allowing up to 0.5-degree angular accuracy and 0.5mm adjustments while placing the femoral and tibial components. The technique ensures minimal soft tissue dissection, resulting in faster recovery, reduced pain, and minimal post-operative swelling.

All patients were made to walk within 3-4 hoursโ€™ post-surgery and discharged promptly. Patients undergoing single knee replacement were discharged within 24 hours, while a patient who underwent bilateral knee replacement was safely discharged within two days. Additionally, all procedures featured stitchless wound closure, promoting faster healing and zero infection rates.

Speaking about this milestone, Dr. Rohan Dessai shared, โ€œRobotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is a game changer in orthopedic care. The precision of this system, combined with minimal tissue handling, translates to quicker recovery and improved patient outcomes. We are delighted to offer this state-of-the-art technology at Manipal Hospital Goa and provide our patients with the best possible care.โ€
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Goa added, โ€œAt Manipal Hospital Goa, we continuously strive to integrate the latest advancements in medical technology to enhance patient care. The success of this weekโ€™s robotic knee replacement surgeries reflects our commitment to excellence in orthopedic surgery and patient-centered care.โ€
This landmark achievement underscores Manipal Hospital Goaโ€™s dedication to pioneering medical advancements, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of orthopedic care with cutting-edge technology and expert hands.

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Celebrating World Pulses Day: Unlocking the Power of Pulses for a Sustainable Future


Written byย Internย Joysi Yadav, Team Allycaral

February 10th marks World Pulses Day, a global celebration of the importance of pulses in promoting health, environmental sustainability, and food security. The United Nations General Assembly designated this day to highlight the holistic role pulses play in achieving nutritional, health, and environmental balance.

The Nutritional Powerhouse of Pulses

Pulses, also known as legumes, are edible seeds of leguminous plants, including chickpeas, beans, lentils, peas, and soybeans. These superfoods are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium, making them a vital source of food for a balanced diet.

Benefits of Pulses

The benefits of pulses extend far beyond their nutritional value. They:

  1. Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Pulses improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and damage to the soil.
  2. Support Climate Resilience: Pulses require less water and have a low carbon footprint, making them an eco-friendly crop.
  3. Ensure Food Security: Pulses are affordable and accessible, playing a crucial role in addressing global hunger.

Theme for 2025: “Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems”

This year’s theme underlines the pivotal role of pulses in promoting diversity, nourishing our bodies, and protecting the environment. By incorporating pulses into our diets, we can facilitate a sustainable and nutritious future.

Join the Celebration!

On World Pulses Day, let’s come together to celebrate the power of pulses and promote their benefits. Share your favorite pulse-based recipes, learn more about the importance of pulses, and support sustainable agriculture practices.

Together, we can unlock the potential of pulses to create a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.

Fit & Fabulous

Manipal Hospital Goa Launches ‘Rakshak’ Initiative to Empower Individuals with Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Skills


In a bid to equip individuals with the necessary skills to handle critical situations, Manipal Hospital Goa has launched its ‘Rakshak’ initiative, a comprehensive training program focused on emergency preparedness and first aid. The initiative aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively in emergency situations, ultimately saving lives.

Key Events:

  • Rakshak Training at IIT Goa: The initiative kicked off with a training session at IIT Goa, where attendees were trained in emergency response and CPR techniques. The session was designed to equip participants with the skills required to handle critical situations, such as cardiac arrests and other emergencies.
  • Rakshak Training at Sai Nursing College, Goa: In another significant event, the ‘Rakshak’ initiative was taken to Sai Nursing College, Goa, where nursing students were educated on life-saving skills and emergency preparedness. The training session was tailored to meet the specific needs of nursing students, who play a critical role in providing emergency care.

The ‘Rakshak’ initiative is a testament to Manipal Hospital Goa’s commitment to empowering individuals with the skills required to handle emergency situations. By providing training in CPR techniques and emergency preparedness, the initiative aims to create a community of ‘Rakshaks’ who can respond effectively in critical situations, ultimately saving lives.

Manipal Hospital Goa is a leading healthcare provider in Goa, committed to delivering world-class healthcare services to its patients. With a team of experienced doctors and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, diagnostic services, and specialized treatments.