Category: Health

Health

Molbio & UE LifeSciences Partner to Expand iBreastExam Globally for Early Breast Cancer Detection

Tanisha Cardozo

Molbio Diagnostics has announced a strategic global collaboration with UE LifeSciences to expand the reach of iBreastExam, a radiation-free, painless, and FDA-cleared breast cancer screening device, to more than 50 countries across Asia, Africa, and beyond. This partnership represents a major step forward in making early detection accessible to millions of women who face barriers to traditional screening methods.

Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women worldwide, and late detection is one of the most significant factors contributing to mortality. By combining Molbio’s extensive global distribution network with UE LifeSciences’ innovative technology, this collaboration aims to transform the landscape of breast cancer screening in low- and middle-income regions.

iBreastExam is a portable, battery-operated point-of-care device that can identify breast lumps in minutes without pain, radiation, or the need for specialized infrastructure. Using advanced sensor technology, it automates physical examination, ensuring accuracy without requiring interpretation from the user. With cloud-enabled storage for seamless follow-up, it is designed for use in primary healthcare settings, outreach programs, and mass screening campaigns, particularly in communities where access to mammograms is limited or non-existent.

Mihir Shah, Founder and CEO of UE LifeSciences, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that Molbio’s strong market presence and experienced team will help amplify their shared mission to improve women’s health outcomes globally. Molbio’s track record of delivering innovative diagnostic solutions, including the WHO-endorsed Truenat PCR platform, positions the company as a strong partner to scale the reach of iBreastExam.

The collaboration will focus on rolling out the device across India, Africa, the Middle East, CIS countries, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, creating new opportunities for early intervention and saving countless lives through timely diagnosis.

This partnership is not just about technology—it is about bridging gaps in access to healthcare, empowering women, and ensuring that early detection of breast cancer is no longer a privilege, but a global reality.

Health

Victor Hospital Expands Healthcare Access with New Consultation Facility at Sarth Polyclinic, Curchorem

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Victor Hospital, a trusted name in Goa’s private healthcare sector, has taken another step toward making quality healthcare more accessible by inaugurating a new consultation facility at Sarth Polyclinic, located in the Vitthal Bhavan Building, Bansai, Curchorem. The facility was formally opened today at 10:00 am in a ceremony graced by Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Honorable MLA of the Curchorem Constituency, who served as the Chief Guest. Mr. Sanket Arsekar, Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister, attended as the Guest of Honor, alongside special invitees Mr. Prasanna Bhende, Chairperson of Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC), and Mr. Vishwas Sawant, Ward Councillor.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Victor Hospital and Sarth Polyclinic, aimed at improving access to reliable, affordable, and quality healthcare services in South Goa. Residents of Curchorem and neighboring areas will now be able to access daily general doctor consultations and free blood pressure checks. The clinic will be operational from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, offering flexible timings for working individuals and families.

Importantly, the facility will also host expert consultations from Victor Hospital’s team of specialists covering a wide range of medical fields, including General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Chest Medicine, Urology (Kidney Stones & Prostate Care), Ophthalmology, and Nephrology. Patients under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) scheme will be eligible for special discounts and benefits, making this facility financially accessible to a larger section of the community.

Ms. Roana Costa, Executive Director of Victor Hospital; Dr. Ajay Gangoli, COO & Medical Superintendent; and Mr. Samir Gaonkar, Proprietor of Sarth Polyclinic, collectively expressed their vision of bringing compassionate, patient-friendly healthcare to the doorstep of every Goan. They reaffirmed Victor Hospital’s mission to extend its trusted services beyond the urban centers and into semi-urban and rural regions of Goa.

With this new consultation unit in Curchorem, Victor Hospital continues its commitment to community health and wellness—ensuring that quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a right for all.

Health

 Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital Organize Free Medical Camp in Vasco

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

 The Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing, in partnership with Healthway Hospital, recently organized a free medical camp in Vasco, dedicated to improving women’s health in the community. This thoughtful initiative addressed a critical need, as many women often neglect their own health due to various reasons. Mrs. Naazmeen Khan, a prominent member of the Women’s Wing, emphasized that the camp was a sincere effort to serve society by reaching women who might otherwise hesitate to seek medical care.

The camp offered a range of general health screenings, including checks for diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic concerns, gynecology, and skin ailments. A physiotherapist was also present to provide expert advice and guidance. Dr. Ankit Nair, a specialist in general medicine, highlighted the importance of such camps in expanding healthcare access through comprehensive investigations and consultations. Dr. Rini Naik, a gynecologist, stressed the need for regular health checkups and early detection, especially for conditions like cancer, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. Additionally, she shared information about Healthway Hospital’s discounted test schemes, making essential diagnostics more affordable.

Dr. Anupama Kuchadkar, a dermatologist, urged women to seek care from experienced medical professionals rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies, which may not address underlying conditions effectively. Mrs. Khan expressed deep appreciation for the doctors and the organizing team, whose commitment and teamwork were instrumental in the success of this medical camp.

Over 60 women from diverse age groups and socio-economic backgrounds took part in the camp, benefiting from personalized consultations and screenings. The clinical breast examinations conducted raised awareness about early cancer detection, a vital aspect of women’s health. The camp was well-organized and created a supportive environment where women felt comfortable and informed about their health.

Initiatives like this free medical camp underscore the importance of community-driven healthcare efforts and serve as a reminder that early diagnosis and regular health maintenance can save lives. Through collaboration and dedication, the Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital continue to empower women in Vasco by ensuring they have access to quality medical services.

Health

GOA TAKES A STEP FORWARD TOWARDS TB MUKT STATE WITH AI-ENABLED ULTRAPORTABLE DIGITAL X-RAY SYSTEMS

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji | September 5, 2025: In a significant advancement towards eradicating tuberculosis, Goa has taken a decisive step forward by integrating AI-enabled ultraportable digital X-ray systems into its primary healthcare network. The move aligns with the national TB Mukt Bharat campaign spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

At a ceremony held at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in Panaji, four units of the Prorad Ultraportable Digital X-ray System, equipped with artificial intelligence, were handed over to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Government of Goa. These units are now deployed at PHC Navelim, PHC Betki, PHC Curtorim, and PHC Corlim.

The initiative is part of the Rotary TB Diagnostics and Cure Program, made possible under the Rotary Global Grant GG2478242. The grant was facilitated by Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, Rotary Club of Dona Paula, and Rotary International Districts – 3640 (South Korea), 5930 (USA), and 3170 (India).

These ultraportable X-ray machines come with built-in artificial intelligence, enabling early and accurate detection of TB, especially in rural and underserved areas. This diagnostic capability will also extend to conditions like lung cancer, fractures, and other thoracic issues during routine screenings.

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Shri Vishwajeet Rane expressed gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for this significant donation. “This is more than technology—it’s about saving lives,” he said, adding that Goa is on its way to becoming a TB Mukt State. He also revealed that a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre is coming up in the state.

A short video showcasing how these AI-enabled X-ray machines are transforming health diagnostics in Goa was screened at the event. Donors and dignitaries were felicitated, highlighting the spirit of global collaboration and public health advancement.

Key attendees included Dr. Rupa Naik, Director, DHS; Rtn. Sharad Pai, District Governor, RID 3170; Rtn. Hong Kyoo Jo, District Governor, RID 3640 (South Korea); Dr. Manish Gaunekar, Chief Medical Officer, National TB Elimination Program; Rtn. Jeet Tolani; Rtn. Azeema Kulkarni; Rtn. Raja Melwani; along with senior Rotarians, DHS officers, and medical professionals.

The program was formally opened by Rtn. Tanvi Sawant, Club President 2024-25, Rotary Club Panaji Riviera, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Rtn. Philip Alvares, Club Secretary 2024-25, Rotary Club of Dona Paula.

This initiative showcases how global partnerships and local implementation can bridge the gap in healthcare, bringing cutting-edge diagnostic tools to those who need them the most. Goa’s progress toward becoming a TB Mukt State sets an example for other regions aiming to leverage technology for public good.

Health

Doctors at Healthway Hospitals Perform Landmark Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 2025 – In a breakthrough for Goa’s private healthcare sector, doctors at Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa, successfully performed a fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) on a patient with a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm.

This is the first such procedure to be carried out in a private hospital in Goa and only the second case documented in the state. The patient’s aneurysm, dangerously close to the renal arteries, exceeded five cm in diameter and was growing rapidly, raising the risk of a fatal rupture. The minimally invasive surgery involved inserting catheters and guidewires through small incisions in the groin and arm, followed by positioning a customised fenestrated stent graft to align with the renal arteries and placing covered stents to preserve blood supply.

Final angiography confirmed exclusion of the aneurysm and restored blood flow. Without this procedure, the patient would have required high-risk open surgery. Dr Pawan Kumar, senior interventional radiologist at Healthway Hospitals, explained that creating surgical fenestrations was the most challenging aspect, as waiting for a Customised Device (CMD) from abroad would have taken weeks, which the patient’s condition did not allow.

The surgical team included Dr Girish Warawdekar and Dr Pankaj Patel from Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, along with Dr Pawan Kumar, Dr Pankaj Naik, Dr Nikhil Bhomkar, Dr Sanjeev Juwarkar, Dr Glory Katiyar and Dr Jannita Kundaikar from Healthway Hospitals, supported by cath lab technicians and nursing staff.

This landmark case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention and advanced endovascular expertise in treating complex aneurysms and strengthens Goa’s position in the field of advanced healthcare and medical innovation.