Category: Health

Health

Dr. Akash Ringane Becomes First Goan to Clear Prestigious European Board of Nuclear Medicine Fellowship

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud milestone for Goa, Dr. Akash Anil Ringane has become the first Goan to clear the prestigious Fellowship of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine (EBNM), held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2025. This elite recognition marks a significant achievement not only for Dr. Ringane but also for the medical community of Goa and India at large.

Dr. Ringane’s journey began in Comba, where he completed his schooling at Mahila Nutan and Damodar Higher Secondary School. He later pursued his medical education at the esteemed Goa Medical College, which laid the foundation for his deep passion for nuclear medicine — a field that plays a critical role in modern diagnostics and cancer therapy.

The Fellowship of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine is among the most respected certifications in the field, assessing excellence in clinical knowledge, research, and practical application. Earning this title is a mark of international distinction and opens doors to global research and clinical collaborations.

Dr. Ringane’s accomplishment is being hailed across the state, with numerous messages of congratulations pouring in from the medical fraternity, academic institutions, and Goan citizens who view this as a shining example of Goan excellence reaching global heights.

Speaking on his achievement, those close to Dr. Ringane have shared that it was years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that brought him to this point. His success is a beacon of inspiration for future generations of students and professionals in the state who aspire to make their mark on the global stage.

Dr. Ringane’s story is more than just a personal success; it’s a celebration of Goan talent, academic foundations, and global ambition — proving once again that excellence knows no boundaries.

Health

Don Bosco College Panjim Hosts State-Level Mental Health Awareness Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Don Bosco College, Panjim, marked Mental Health Week with a powerful State-Level Mental Health Awareness Celebration on September 30, 2025. Organised by the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club, in collaboration with the WOW Foundation and Aaji Care, the event served as a platform for dialogue, education, and empowerment around mental health, focusing on both youth resilience and dementia awareness.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Amit Dias, Assistant Professor at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Goa Medical College. His session, titled “Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,” underscored the importance of early diagnosis, supportive caregiving, and breaking societal silence around aging-related mental health conditions. His insights were both informative and emotional, highlighting how dementia affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.

Adding to the depth of the event, Ms. Ketaakii Parob Gadekar, Founder and President of the WOW Foundation, led a highly engaging session on “Psychological Resilience among Teenagers.” With real-life scenarios and practical tools, she spoke about the increasing pressures faced by today’s youth and the need to equip them with strategies to manage stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, emphasized the impact of such events in creating mental health awareness at the grassroots level. Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte, the Event Coordinator, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth and impactful execution of the program, which saw participation from a wide spectrum of educational institutions including GVM College, St. Xavier’s College, Chowgule College, Carmel College, and Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre.

College Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira and Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz praised the initiative, underlining the role of educational institutions in nurturing not just academic excellence but holistic well-being. They reiterated the need for ongoing efforts to normalise mental health conversations and provide safe spaces for students and faculty alike.

The event concluded with a collective reflection on the true meaning of mental health—not just as the absence of illness but as the presence of well-being, inner strength, and community support. The success of the program echoed a growing awareness in Goa’s educational circles: that mental health is essential, and the time to act is now.

Health

Goa Marks National Voluntary Blood Donation Day with Inspiring Ceremony at Secretariat

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, Goa | 1st October 2025 – Goa joined the nation in celebrating National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, with a meaningful ceremony held at the Secretariat, Porvorim. The event was inaugurated by Secretary (Health), Shri Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion.

Organized by the Goa State Blood Transfusion Council in collaboration with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), the event embraced this year’s national theme:
“Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives.”

The ceremony brought together a host of senior health officials and dignitaries, including:

  • Dr. Vandana Dhume, Project Director, GSACS
  • Smt. Shweta Dessai, Director, FDA Goa
  • Dr. Nelishka Gomes, Senior Pathologist, Asilo Hospital
  • Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman, Red Cross Society, Goa

Speakers underscored the urgent need for voluntary and regular blood donations, emphasizing that a single donation can save multiple lives. The event highlighted the importance of community participation and celebrated the selfless spirit of blood donors across Goa.

Through such observances, the state aims to foster a stronger culture of voluntary blood donation, ensuring timely access to safe blood for those in need — from accident victims to those battling chronic illness.

The event was not only a call to action but a tribute to every individual who steps up to give the gift of life — one drop at a time.

Health

Goa’s Women & Child Development Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award 2025 for Childhood Nutrition

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Women and Child Development, Goa, has earned the SKOCH Gold Award 2025 for its outstanding contribution to “Improving Childhood Nutrition through Anganwadi Services.”

The announcement was made on Wednesday, with Minister Vishwajit Rane calling it a proud moment for Goa. He emphasized that the recognition reflects the state’s dedication to ensuring that every child receives the right start in life through better nutrition and care.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering efforts in ensuring that every child receives the right start in life through better nutrition and care,” Rane shared on X.

The award acknowledges the department’s alignment with the national mission of nurturing a healthier and empowered generation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rane credited the achievement to Director Jyoti Desai, the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), and the Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), whose tireless work has been instrumental in making the program successful.

He added that the award further strengthens Goa’s resolve to build robust systems that promote child well-being, gender equality, and inclusive development in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

The recognition places Goa among leading states that are innovating and strengthening grassroots programs in child nutrition and care through Anganwadi services, showcasing a model for other regions to follow.

Health

Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: Health Camp in Mayem Receives Overwhelming Response

Tanisha Cardozo

A free health camp organised under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar (SNSP) Abhiyaan at Mayem Panchayat Hall on 21st September witnessed an enthusiastic response, with over 100 women and children availing themselves of a range of medical services.

The initiative, led by the Public Health Centre (PHC), Mayem, provided critical preventive and diagnostic services such as general checkups, blood pressure monitoring, haemoglobin testing, diabetes screening, breast cancer screening, PAP smear tests, sputum collection, chest X-rays, and eye checkups — all free of cost.

The event was inaugurated by Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who lauded the initiative as a proactive step towards preventing medical emergencies and promoting family health through better women’s healthcare. “These camps are crucial for improving the health of women, which in turn leads to stronger, healthier households,” he stated.

Premendra Shet, MLA of Mayem, highlighted that the health camp was part of broader welfare efforts under the “Seva Parva” initiative. He praised the selfless efforts of doctors and healthcare staff in bringing quality medical services to grassroots communities.

Other dignitaries present included Chandrakant Shetye, MLA from Bicholim Constituency; former MLA Damu Naik; and the Sarpanch of Mayem Panchayat. Dr. Urmila Gauns, the Nodal Officer for the camp, welcomed the guests and coordinated the camp’s activities along with the local health department staff.

The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th September as a national mission to deliver preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services to women and children. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women & Child Development, the campaign aims to conduct over 10 lakh health camps across the country until 2nd October, focusing on reaching the last mile.

In Goa, health camps are being held across all villages, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery. The Mayem health camp serves as a shining example of what community-based outreach can achieve when local leaders and medical professionals come together with a shared mission.