Tag: community health

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B.Sc. Nursing Students Gain Exposure at Indian Red Cross Society Goa

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

A group of 59 B.Sc. Nursing students, accompanied by two faculty members from the Nursing Institute, Bambolim, visited the State Headquarters of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Goa, in Panaji as part of an educational exposure programme.


The students were addressed by Gaurish Dhond, Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, who highlighted the core values of the Red Cross movement. He encouraged the students, as future healthcare professionals, to uphold principles of selfless service, compassion and dedication to duty. Dhond also provided an overview of the wide-ranging humanitarian activities undertaken by the Society, including disaster response, blood services and community welfare initiatives across the state.

Earlier, the General Secretary of the Society, John Aguiar, welcomed the students and faculty members. The visit included documentary films and presentations that offered a comprehensive understanding of the Red Cross’s global mission as well as its local operations and emergency response efforts.

The exposure visit aimed to sensitize nursing students to the importance of voluntary humanitarian work and inspire them to actively engage in community-based healthcare and social service initiatives in the future.

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Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter Women’s Group Raises Awareness at Lok Utsav Festival

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 31, 2026:
The Women’s Group of the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter actively took part in the Lok Utsav festival held on January 27, 2026, using the platform to raise awareness about hemophilia — a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the body’s ability to clot blood and requires lifelong management.


Members of the group distributed educational pamphlets and engaged with festival-goers through one-on-one interactions, sharing information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options available for hemophilia. Volunteers also spoke about the social and medical challenges faced by individuals and families living with bleeding disorders.

Speaking at the event, Sabina DaCunha, Women’s Wing President of the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter, highlighted the critical role of awareness and early diagnosis. She noted that while hemophilia predominantly affects men, women are carriers of the gene and may themselves experience symptoms such as heavy or prolonged bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles. She stressed the importance of testing for bleeding disorders to prevent long-term complications and permanent disability caused by delayed detection.

The Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter is affiliated with the Hemophilia Federation (India), a national patient organisation supporting over 30,000 individuals across the country. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organisation works to improve access to care while reducing stigma associated with bleeding disorders.

Advisor to the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter, Prakash Kamat, also addressed visitors during the event. Avelino de Sa, Founder and President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa, and Festakar Marius Fernandes, were present and extended their support to the awareness initiative.

The participation at Lok Utsav forms part of the chapter’s ongoing community health efforts aimed at empowering families with information, encouraging early diagnosis and fostering a more inclusive environment for people living with hemophilia.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Conducts ‘Raktadaan Abhiyaan’, Donates ~150 Units of Blood Across Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vedanta Sesa Goa, in collaboration with Goa Medical College, Bambolim, successfully organised blood donation drives across various locations in Goa as part of its ‘Raktadaan Abhiyaan’ initiative. Conducted under the company’s CSR programme Project Aarogya, the initiative brought together employees, business partners and students of Sesa Technical School, resulting in the collection of approximately 150 units of blood.

The donation camps were organised at Amona, Sankhli and Bicholim, witnessing enthusiastic participation from volunteers who came forward to contribute to this life-saving cause. The initiative reflects Vedanta Sesa Goa’s continued commitment to community welfare through active volunteerism and healthcare support.

According to Government of India data, the country requires nearly 14.6 million units of blood annually, with over 70 per cent of the requirement fulfilled through voluntary donations. In line with this national need, Vedanta Sesa Goa has organised over 35 blood donation camps between 2023 and 2025, contributing close to 2,000 units of blood across states.

Expressing his thoughts, Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said it was a matter of immense pride to see employees, business partners and students stepping up for the noble act of blood donation. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to giving back meaningfully to the communities it operates in, highlighting the milestone of over 2,000 units donated since 2023.

Representing the medical fraternity, Dr Sanjay from Goa Medical College appreciated the collaboration and thanked the volunteers for making the initiative a success. He noted that Vedanta Sesa Goa’s efforts play an important role in addressing critical healthcare needs while strengthening community engagement.

Beyond blood collection, the camps also served as awareness platforms on HIV-AIDS and the importance of voluntary blood donation. Through Project Aarogya, Vedanta Sesa Goa has positively impacted more than 82,000 lives in FY 2024 and FY 2025 through initiatives such as multispecialty mega health camps, mobile health units, health awareness sessions and medical equipment distribution, reinforcing its holistic approach to community healthcare and wellbeing.

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Nursing Students of Harmal Panchkrishi Visit Indian Red Cross Society Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Nursing students of Harmal Panchkrishi Shikshan Mandal’s Nursing College visited the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa Branch, where they were warmly welcomed by the General Secretary, Shri John Aguiar. The students interacted with the Red Cross team and were introduced to the impactful legacy of Jean Henry Dunant, the Swiss humanitarian and founder of the Red Cross, through an informative film.

They also viewed a film on blood donation and a detailed presentation on the Indian Red Cross Society, helping them understand the organization’s contributions to humanitarian welfare. The visit offered deep insights into the range of services carried out by the Red Cross, including disaster management, community health initiatives, and blood donation drives.

Such exposure gives nursing students a broader perspective on the roles they may play in society, extending their understanding of care beyond hospital settings to include community service, disaster relief, and support for vulnerable populations.

The group of 28 students participated with great interest and enthusiasm, making the visit both educational and inspiring.

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JCI Ponda Hosts Successful Mega Health Camp with Over 150 Beneficiaries

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Ponda, in association with Dr. Milind Desai, Kurtarkar Nagri Flats & Plots Owners Association, and Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, organized a successful Mega Health Camp on September 28. Held from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, the camp aimed to promote preventive healthcare and health awareness among residents of Ponda and nearby areas.

The initiative witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 150 individuals availing themselves of the free health services provided. Attendees underwent essential health checks including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and SpO₂ level assessments. Each participant also had the opportunity to consult directly with Dr. Milind Desai for personalized medical advice and guidance.

The event was not only a testament to the power of community collaboration but also highlighted the importance of regular health monitoring in maintaining overall well-being. Participants appreciated the initiative for bringing vital healthcare services closer to the community, especially for those who may not always have easy access.

Through efforts like these, JCI Ponda and its partners continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to building a healthier and more informed society.