Goa has set a new benchmark in healthcare innovation with the launch of the Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies (PPILT) — a first-of-its-kind initiative in India.
The policy was officially launched by Health Minister Shri. Vishwajit Rane in the presence of:
Shri. Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary (Health)
Mr. Prashant Warier, CEO & Founder, Qure.ai
Dr. Jai Prakash Tiwari, Dean, GMC
Dr. Rupa Naik, Director, Directorate of Health Services
Dr. Ajaykumar Sharma, Director – Corporate & State Affairs, AstraZeneca
Kiran Kesavan, Lead – Policy and Government Affairs
The PPILT aims to ensure equitable, fair, and sustainable pricing for vital healthcare interventions — including medicines, diagnostics, and advanced medical devices — making them more accessible to patients without compromising innovation.
Minister Rane emphasized that the initiative would bridge the gap between affordability and advanced treatment, setting a national precedent in healthcare reform.
This pioneering policy reflects Goa’s commitment to patient-centric healthcare and positions the state as a leader in shaping transparent, sustainable medical pricing in India.
Margao, Goa | 8th August 2025 – Victor Hospital, in association with the Goa Association of Neurosurgeons and the Neurotrauma Society of India, proudly hosted the Inaugural Function and ICP Workshop under the banner of Neurotrauma 2025 on Friday, 8th August 2025, at its state-of-the-art auditorium on the 4th Floor of Victor Hospital, Margao, Goa.
The workshop was spearheaded by Dr. Antonio Figueiredo, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Victor Hospital, and focused on intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring — a critical aspect of neurocritical care and trauma management.
The event was graced by Dr. P.S. Ramani, Senior Neurospinal Surgeon and Founding President of the Neurotrauma Society of India, who attended as the Chief Guest. His address provided valuable insights into the advancements and challenges in neurotrauma care.
Guests of Honour included:
Mrs. Sylvia Albuquerque, Chairperson & Managing Director, Alcon Victor Group
Mr. Varun Albuquerque, Director, Alcon Victor Group
They were joined by Mrs. Roana Costa, Executive Director of Victor Hospital, and Dr. Ajay Gangoli, Chief Operating Officer & Medical Superintendent, both of whom reiterated the hospital’s dedication to high-quality care and medical education.
Victor Hospital has emerged as a leading centre for Neurotrauma care in Goa, equipped with modern technology for neurocritical care, advanced neuroimaging, ICP monitoring, and neurosurgical interventions. The hospital serves as a referral hub for brain and spine injuries, backed by an experienced team and cutting-edge facilities.
The event was coordinated by:
Dr. Vernon Velho – Organising Chairman, Neurotrauma 2025
Dr. Antonio Figueiredo – Course Director, ICP Workshop
Dr. A.S. Netalkar – Organising Secretary, Neurotrauma 2025
This ICP Workshop is part of the larger Neurotrauma 2025 initiative, aimed at training, research, and improved clinical outcomes in neurotrauma cases.
With this milestone event, Victor Hospital continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of neurosurgical care in Goa and beyond.
Goa, July 29, 2025 – In a landmark event for the state’s healthcare sector, Manipal Hospital Goa officially unveiled the Depuy VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, a cutting-edge innovation by Johnson & Johnson, aimed at revolutionising knee replacement procedures through precision and personalisation.
Held at the hospital premises, the launch event was graced by key dignitaries including Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director; Dr. Rohan R Desai, Consultant – Hip & Knee Replacement Surgeon; and Dr. Shereen Hasan Bhat, Medical Superintendent, alongside respected members of the medical fraternity.
Revolutionising Knee Replacement with VELYS
The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution is among the world’s most advanced tools for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and partial knee replacement. Unlike traditional systems, it integrates real-time intraoperative data to guide surgeons with pinpoint accuracy—helping ensure optimal implant placement and alignment.
Compact, easy to use, and seamlessly integrated into operating rooms, VELYS is designed to work in conjunction with the ATTUNE® Knee System. This collaboration enables outcomes with near 100% precision, offering:
Less post-operative pain
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recovery times
Quicker return to mobility
Leadership Voices the Vision
“Goa deserves access to the best in healthcare,” said Mr. Surendra Prasad. “The VELYS system equips our surgeons with unmatched accuracy and reinforces our commitment to advanced patient care.”
The launch included a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by the grand unveiling of the robotic system. Dr. Rohan R Desai gave an insightful walkthrough of VELYS’s capabilities, underscoring how the technology personalises surgery by adapting to each patient’s unique anatomy and movement patterns.
“With VELYS, we can now deliver tailor-made solutions for every knee,” Dr. Desai added. “It’s a game-changer for patients suffering from degenerative joint diseases.”
The event concluded with a Q&A session and a vote of thanks by Dr. Shereen Hasan Bhat, emphasizing the hospital’s continued dedication to innovation and excellence.
A Technological Leap for Goa’s Healthcare Landscape
With this strategic addition, Manipal Hospital Goa cements its position as a front-runner in high-tech orthopaedic care. It reinforces Goa’s emerging status as a regional healthcare hub, where local and international patients alike can access world-class treatment.
Panaji, July 2025 — Dr. Francisco Colaco, one of Goa’s most respected cardiologists and a pioneer in echocardiography, has been selected as an Honorary Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography (FASE) — an honour rarely conferred upon individuals outside the United States.
This elite distinction recognizes Dr. Colaco’s exceptional contributions to the field of cardiovascular ultrasound, both in clinical practice and medical education. It celebrates a lifetime dedicated to advancing non-invasive cardiology and echo-based diagnostics in India and beyond.
The American Society of Echocardiography, a global authority in cardiac imaging, bestows Honorary Fellowships to eminent figures in cardiology who have significantly advanced the use of echocardiography in patient care, research, and education. Dr. Colaco’s name now joins an illustrious list of medical professionals recognised for their global impact.
A respected name in Goan and Indian medical circles, Dr. Colaco has been instrumental in promoting echocardiographic techniques in India since their early days. He has authored numerous research articles, trained generations of cardiologists, and remained a passionate advocate for high-quality, affordable cardiac care.
The selection reinforces Goa’s growing stature in the global medical community and is a proud moment for Indian healthcare.
Panaji, July 3, 2025 – In a decisive move to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), the Government of Goa has launched a statewide, multi-pronged public health campaign with the goal of becoming India’s first TB-free state by 2025. The campaign, part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), combines grassroots community engagement, financial aid, and digital health monitoring to tackle TB head-on.
Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane highlighted the government’s commitment to a “unified and patient-centered approach” in the fight against TB. He reaffirmed that the state is investing in both infrastructure and human resources to ensure no TB patient is left behind.
“We are on track to achieve TB Mukt Goa,” said Rane. “Through coordinated efforts and accountability at every level, our vision is not just a reduction in TB, but total eradication.”
Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Supporting Patients, Nutritionally and Financially
A key pillar of the campaign is the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme that provides nutritional support to TB patients. The government is actively collecting bank account details to ensure timely and transparent fund disbursement.
This move not only addresses malnutrition-related vulnerabilities but also builds trust and continuity in treatment adherence.
Strengthening Health Infrastructure and Monitoring
To improve TB care, the government has deployed:
Medical Officers
Community Health Officers (CHOs)
AYUSH doctors
These professionals are placed across all Primary Health Institutions and tasked with continuous care, follow-ups, and home-based support.
Under the Differentiated TB Care Model, CHOs:
Conduct bi-weekly home visits
Dispense treatment incentives
Record patient progress through the Nikshay portal
Each TB patient’s treatment progress is now geo-tagged, providing real-time tracking and improving accountability across the system.
Contact Tracing and Early Detection
Goa has also tightened its contact tracing protocols:
Every household contact of a TB patient is screened
High-risk individuals receive chest X-rays
Results are rapidly uploaded to the Nikshay system for early intervention
These measures significantly reduce diagnosis delays and enable faster medical response.
TB-Free Panchayats: Grassroots Movement in Action
The campaign also aims to create TB-Free Panchayats, with each panchayat required to meet six health criteria to qualify. Weekly updates are submitted to the Directorate of Health Services, ensuring continuous progress tracking.
Community partnerships are central to this initiative. Healthcare workers, local authorities, and residents collaborate to raise awareness, boost case detection, and foster a collective sense of responsibility.
A Long Road, but Strong Resolve
Despite registering around 2,000 new TB cases annually and facing a mortality rate higher than the national average, Goa’s comprehensive strategy reflects a determined and hopeful trajectory.
By integrating technology, community care, and financial support, the state is not just managing TB — it is moving toward eliminating it.
The Goal: TB Mukt Goa by 2025
With firm leadership, innovation, and grassroots mobilization, Goa is rewriting the narrative on tuberculosis in India. The state’s journey toward a TB-free future stands as a model for other regions to emulate.
