Category: Health

Health

Secretary Ayush Emphasizes Ayurveda’s Central Role in Shaping Holistic Healthcare at CII Annual Health Summit 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

At the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit 2025 held in New Delhi, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, underscored the growing significance of Ayurveda in India’s evolving healthcare landscape. Addressing healthcare leaders, industry representatives, and policymakers, he emphasized that Ayurveda’s time-tested principles and holistic practices have a crucial role to play in the future of healthcare, both domestically and globally.

Shri Kotecha called upon hospitals, wellness resorts, and healthcare providers to actively integrate Ayurvedic therapies, detoxification programs, and yoga-based wellness treatments alongside modern medical services. He noted that this integrative approach can help create a truly inclusive healthcare model that addresses not only disease management but also prevention and overall well-being.

Highlighting the increasing global interest in traditional and natural healing systems, he observed that Ayurveda and holistic wellness programs are gaining popularity among both Indian and international patients seeking comprehensive and restorative healthcare. According to him, the fusion of traditional healing wisdom with modern scientific advancements will be instrumental in positioning India as a leading global destination for medical tourism.

The Secretary also emphasized that the Ministry of AYUSH is committed to promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic practices and fostering collaborations that bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary medical innovation. By aligning wellness and modern healthcare infrastructure, he said, India can establish itself as a global leader in integrative medicine and sustainable healthcare practices.

Vaidya Kotecha’s address at the CII Health Summit reaffirmed the government’s vision of building a healthcare ecosystem that is inclusive, globally competitive, and rooted in India’s rich heritage of holistic healing.

Health

Goa’s First Bilateral Cochlear Implant Surgery Successfully Performed at SMRC Hospital

Tanisha Cardozo

SMRC Hospital, Chicalim, achieved a landmark medical milestone on 9th August 2025 by successfully performing Goa’s first bilateral simultaneous cochlear implant surgery on a 3-year-old child with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss.

In this advanced procedure, cochlear implants—bionic devices that convert sound into electrical signals—were placed in both ears during a single surgery. This allows the child, born with deafness, to begin hearing sounds and develop normal speech and language skills over time.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Parag Sawant (ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon), supported by Dr. Deepak Kuvelker (Anesthesiologist) and the hospital’s dedicated operation theatre team. Their collective expertise ensured the success of the intricate procedure.

Conducted under the Goa Mediclaim & Medical Reimbursement Scheme, this pioneering surgery marks a significant step forward in making high-end healthcare accessible and affordable within the state.

SMRC Hospital’s achievement not only brings new hope to families dealing with hearing impairment but also underscores Goa’s growing capability to deliver world-class medical interventions locally.

Health

Occupational Therapy: Empowering Goans to Live Life Independently

Tanisha Cardozo

In Goa, where community care and compassion are woven into everyday life, health and independence carry deep meaning. For many Goans recovering from illness, injury, or disability, even simple tasks such as dressing, writing, or returning to work can become challenging. This is where Occupational Therapy plays a vital role, helping individuals rediscover their independence and quality of life through creativity, care, and science.

Occupational Therapy is a holistic healthcare profession that enables people to live meaningful lives by regaining the ability to perform everyday activities. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not about finding employment but about engaging in daily occupations — the essential actions that bring purpose, such as self-care, learning, leisure, and work.

Occupational Therapists approach healing by focusing on the person as a whole — the body, mind, environment, and goals. Through purposeful activities, adaptive devices, and individualized exercise programs, they help people rebuild movement, coordination, confidence, and independence.

This dynamic field encompasses several areas, including orthopaedic rehabilitation, neurosciences, paediatrics and NICU care, mental health, geriatrics, oncology and palliative care, ergonomics, and community-based rehabilitation. Occupational Therapists serve across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community programs — supporting individuals of all ages.

This year’s World Occupational Therapy Day 2025 theme, “Occupational Therapy in Action: Transforming Lives, Building Communities,” captures the essence of this profession. In Goa, therapists like Dr. Vailanki Nazira Raposo at Goa Medical College exemplify this mission by working hand in hand with doctors, educators, and families to ensure holistic, patient-centred healing.

Occupational Therapy is more than treatment; it is empowerment. It is about enabling individuals to regain control, rebuild identity, and reconnect with their communities. As Goa continues to advance in healthcare, the contribution of occupational therapists remains vital — enabling independence, enhancing quality of life, and empowering Goans to live with dignity and purpose.

Health

Dr. Sairaj Phaldessai Appointed as Collaborator in Rural Health by The University of Tokyo

Tanisha Cardozo

In a remarkable development that brings pride to Goa and the Indian medical fraternity, Dr. Sairaj Phaldessai has been appointed as a Collaborator in Rural Health by The University of Tokyo. As part of this prestigious role, Dr. Phaldessai will present papers focused on rural healthcare in India, contributing to global medical discourse and research.

A graduate of Goa Medical College, Dr. Phaldessai is the son of the late Dr. Satish Phaldessai, a respected name in rural medicine. His appointment not only carries forward a legacy of service but also signals a growing international recognition of the work being done in India’s rural healthcare sector.

Through this collaboration, Dr. Phaldessai will bring insights into the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare—ranging from infrastructure and outreach to cultural and socioeconomic factors. Equally, his work will highlight the innovative grassroots solutions being implemented in Indian villages and semi-urban areas to address these barriers.

This appointment also marks a significant milestone in Dr. Phaldessai’s career, establishing him as a thought leader in rural health and a representative voice from Goa on the global medical stage. His contributions are expected to foster deeper academic exchange between India and Japan, while strengthening the bridge between traditional practices and modern healthcare frameworks.

As Goa continues to make its mark in various professional arenas, Dr. Phaldessai’s recognition underscores the global impact local leaders can have when dedication meets opportunity. His journey serves as an inspiration for young medical professionals committed to healthcare accessibility and innovation.

Health

GCCI Hosts Consumer Awareness Program on Patient Safety and Safe Use of Medicines

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, 5 October 2025 — In a continued effort to build public awareness around healthcare safety and consumer rights, the Consumer Protection Committee of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa, hosted a Consumer Awareness Program on the theme “Patient Safety and Safe Use of Medicines.” The event took place on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, GCCI, and was tailored for M.Com Part I students of the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola.

The session was led by Dr Sarita Bhonsle, Coordinator of the Goa Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU), who focused on educating future professionals about responsible medicine use and the importance of patient safety. Dr Bhonsle outlined the key roles played by the FDA in regulating medicines and ensuring safety for all consumers. She introduced students to critical national initiatives such as the Pharma Sahi Daam app, a government tool that helps users compare medicine prices and make informed, cost-effective choices.

She also spoke about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, which are operational across Goa and offer generic medicines at prices significantly lower than branded equivalents—making healthcare more accessible and affordable for the general public. Emphasizing that patient safety is a shared responsibility, Dr Bhonsle urged students to be informed consumers and advocates for transparency in healthcare.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Ms Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, GCCI. Ms Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI, introduced the keynote speaker, and the program concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr Sunil Morajkar, Vice Chairman of the Committee. The event was compered by Prof. Subhash Khautankar, Committee Member.

In addition to the main session, students were given a guided tour of the GCCI Secretariat. Mr Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, introduced the students to various departments within the Chamber and explained how GCCI supports businesses and consumers across the state. He also offered insights into the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, helping students connect their academic learning to real-world applications.

This initiative by GCCI reflects its ongoing commitment to nurturing informed citizens, future-ready professionals, and a healthier, more empowered society.