The Goa government has appointed Frazella De Araujo as the Advisor to the Forest Department. The announcement was made by State Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, who said Araujo’s appointment will further strengthen the department’s work in policy formulation and strategic planning.
This new role adds to her existing responsibilities as Advisor to the Health Department and the Women & Child Development Department, both of which are also under Minister Rane’s purview.
Acknowledging her contributions, Rane highlighted Araujo’s pivotal role in conceptualising the state’s Health Outreach Program and in driving the historic IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) initiative at Goa Medical College and Hospital. These projects, he said, reflect her innovative and people-centric approach to governance.
Rane expressed confidence that Araujo’s experience and commitment will greatly benefit the Forest Department in enhancing its initiatives and ensuring more effective policy outcomes.
Frazella De Araujo’s appointment underscores the Goa government’s continued emphasis on multidisciplinary leadership and coordinated efforts across departments to deliver impactful governance.
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.
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.
Dr. Charan Phayade is a Consultant Sports Surgeon at Goa Medical College, specializing in knee injuries and sports medicine. With extensive training from prestigious institutions in the UK and membership in the Knee Surgeons of India, Dr. Phayade brings expert insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of ACL injuries. In this article, he shares his expertise to help patients understand their options and dispel common myths about ACL recovery.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilizers inside the knee joint, along with the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL). These ligaments ensure joint stability during activities like running, jumping, squatting, or abrupt direction changes.
ACL injuries often occur due to twisting falls, particularly in sports like football.
PCL injuries usually result from more severe trauma, like road accidents.
🩺 Common Symptoms
Instability or a “give way” sensation in the knee
Pain and swelling, especially during movement
Buckling or locking (if accompanied by meniscal injury)
Clicking noises in severe cases
🧪 Diagnosis & Investigations
A suspected ACL injury is initially diagnosed through clinical examination and later confirmed using MRI scanning to assess the extent of damage.
💡 Treatment Options: Conservative vs Surgical
Surgical: Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (keyhole surgery) is recommended for:
Complete tears
Younger patients
Individuals involved in high-demand sports
Conservative: Partial or low-grade tears in low-activity individuals can be managed with:
Physiotherapy
Knee braces
Strengthening exercises
Dr. Phayade notes that treatment is highly patient-specific and should be tailored to the individual’s activity level, age, and degree of tear.
🏃♂️ Rehabilitation: What to Expect Post Surgery
After robust fixation using the patient’s own hamstring tendons or BTB graft, recovery milestones include:
Day 1: Start walking with a brace
2 weeks: Begin gym cycling, swimming
3 months: Resume running
3–4 months: Begin squatting
6–8 months: Most patients can return to sports
❗ Busting the Myths:
Myth: ACL surgery means long-term immobility Fact: You begin walking the next day with a brace!
Myth: Recovery always takes a year Fact: Many return to sport in 6–8 months with proper rehab
Myth: All ACL tears need surgery Fact:Partial tears may not, especially in non-athletes
In a moment that radiates hope, joy, and medical excellence, the IVF Centre at Goa Medical College (GMC) has achieved a landmark success—the safe and healthy delivery of triplets under its free IVF treatment initiative. This incredible outcome is a heartening reminder of what is possible when compassionate care meets cutting-edge medical technology.
The free IVF program at GMC was launched with a singular purpose: to support couples struggling with infertility—emotionally, physically, and financially. For many, the dream of parenthood had begun to fade, overshadowed by years of challenges and high treatment costs. Through this initiative, GMC seeks to turn those dreams into reality by offering access to quality fertility care without financial burden.
One such couple recently walked through our doors, having endured the painful journey of infertility. With cautious hope and trust in our team, they began treatment at our IVF Centre. After a successful conception through assisted reproductive technology, their journey continued under the careful watch of our multidisciplinary medical team.
Despite the complexity of carrying multiples, the pregnancy progressed under vigilant prenatal care. The mother was admitted to Goa Medical College for a planned Caesarean section, which was successfully performed by our skilled obstetrics team. Their efforts resulted in the joyous birth of three healthy babies:
Triplet A (Male): 2.32 kg
Triplet B (Female): 1.77 kg
Triplet C (Female): 1.525 kg
Both the mother and the newborns are in stable and healthy condition, and are currently under observation in the care of our dedicated maternity and neonatal staff. Their recovery and early days together are a tribute to the exceptional medical support provided by GMC.
This achievement is not just a medical milestone, but a symbol of renewed hope for families across Goa. It highlights the success of our IVF program and demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that arise when expert knowledge is delivered with empathy and a commitment to public service.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the family, whose strength and resilience throughout this journey have been nothing short of inspiring. We also express our deepest appreciation to the entire medical and support staff at GMC who made this outcome possible—from fertility experts and surgeons to nurses and neonatal specialists.
At Goa Medical College, we remain dedicated to making parenthood a reality for every couple who dreams of it. With every life we help bring into the world, our commitment to accessible, high-quality fertility care grows even stronger.
