Tag: Health

Health

AIIA Goa Marks 4th Foundation Day With Major Integrative Oncology Initiative

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The All-India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, under the Ministry of Ayush, celebrated its 4th Foundation Day with a significant milestone for integrative healthcare: a high-profile national workshop on the “Preparation of Integrative Protocol for Colorectal Carcinoma.” Eminent experts from various medical fields gathered to refine evidence-informed, collaborative treatment pathways in integrative oncology. Prof. (Vd.) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA; Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa; and Dr. Vinayak Chakor, Deputy Medical Superintendent, addressed the media and outlined the institute’s advancements on this special occasion.

AIIA Goa announced yet another major achievement—its NABH accreditation, an endorsement of the institute’s commitment to world-class quality, patient safety, and robust healthcare delivery. With this, along with newly inaugurated facilities, AIIA Goa now operates 25 multidisciplinary OPDs, including dedicated units for Manasrog Chikitsa, De-addiction, Swastha Rakshan, Diabetes, Casualty, and Critical Care, showcasing its mission to blend classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific technologies. Prof. Prajapati also highlighted outcomes from the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, where safety and evidence-based Ayurveda, especially Ashwagandha, were at the forefront of global discussions. The summit is expected to guide the next decade of integrating traditional and indigenous medicines into national health systems worldwide.

Prof. Sujata Kadam shared that, as part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the institute inaugurated two new OPDs—Health Assessment Screening and Dental OPD—along with fully equipped Kayachikitsa and Kaumarbhritya Panchakarma Theatres and an expanded IPD facility. She added that patient services have grown significantly, with over 800 OPD visitors daily, all receiving Ayurvedic medicines free of cost. Since inception, AIIA Goa has recorded over 5.25 lakh OPD footfall, 31,000 IPD admissions, around 77,200 Panchakarma procedures, and more than 1,35,000 radiology and laboratory investigations.

Under Medical Value Travel and Wellness Tourism initiatives, AIIA Goa has provided OPD services to 233 international patients and IPD care to 16 foreign nationals. The institute has also conducted more than 40,400 health camps, including general, disease-specific, school health check-ups, and Suvarnaprashan camps. On the academic front, the institute currently accommodates four undergraduate batches of 100 students each and has expanded its postgraduate education with new scholars joining in November 2025 across specialties including Dravya Guna, Rog Nidan, Kayachikitsa, Kaumarbhritya, and Panchakarma. AIIA Goa also offers an Ayurveda Dietician Course and a Panchakarma Technician Course, building workforce capacity in traditional medicine.

AIIA Goa has strengthened its institutional reach through strategic collaborations. Key partnerships include the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, to promote wellness and medical tourism; CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography to explore research and knowledge exchange; BITS Pilani Goa for joint research and academic collaboration; the Goa State Biodiversity Board for conservation and documentation of biodiversity; and the Goa Institute of Management for healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary studies. A tripartite MoU between AIIA Goa, the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa, and ATREC, Tata Memorial Centre, aims to advance integrative cancer care through research, treatment, and education.

With these expanding services, academic strides, global-facing collaborations, and a strong commitment to evidence-based Ayurveda, AIIA Goa reaffirmed its dedication to transforming healthcare and positioning itself as a global leader in integrative medicine.

Health Scope

Dental Implants: A Long-Lasting Solution for Missing Teeth

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Dental implants have become one of the most trusted and advanced solutions in modern dentistry for replacing missing teeth. Designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, implants not only restore your smile but also help maintain overall oral health.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture placed into the jawbone. This fixture serves as a strong, artificial root that supports a crown, bridge, or even a denture. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, meaning it integrates safely with your bone through a process called osseointegration.

How the Dental Implant Process Works

1. Implant Placement

The process begins with a minor surgical procedure.
Your dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to access the jawbone. A precise space is drilled, and the titanium fixture is carefully inserted. The gums are then sutured back into place. This forms the foundation for your future tooth.

2. Healing & Osseointegration

Over the next 2 to 6 months, the implant gradually bonds with the bone.
This natural fusion—osseointegration—creates a stable and durable anchor, just like a natural tooth root. This step is crucial for the long-term success of the implant.

3. Crown or Prosthesis Attachment

Once the implant has fully integrated, an abutment (connector) is placed, and a custom-designed crown is attached. This crown is carefully shaped and shaded to match the surrounding teeth, offering a seamless, natural smile.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

While implants may cost more upfront compared to dentures or bridges, they often prove to be a worthwhile investment due to their longevity, comfort, and natural appearance. They help preserve jawbone structure, improve chewing ability, and restore confidence.

Dental implants combine advanced technology with aesthetic precision — giving you results that last for years.

Health

Organ Donation Awareness at Blood Donation Camp in Aldona, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 22, 2025, a blood donation camp organized by St. Thomas Girls’ High School in Aldona, in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the North Goa District Hospital (Asilo) Blood Bank, hosted an organ donation awareness desk led by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation. Supported by Dr. Carlos Medical Stores, Aldona, the camp ran from 10 AM to 1 PM and attracted participation from 19 parents and members of the public who generously donated blood.

Mr. Gabriel Pereira interacted with the donors, emphasizing the importance of both blood and organ donation. He explained that a single blood donation can save three to four lives, while one organ donor can save up to eight lives and positively impact 50 more through tissue donation. During the camp, four donors took pledge cards to commit themselves as organ donors.

In addition to personal engagement, Mr. Pereira distributed frequently asked questions about organ donation and shared bike and helmet stickers featuring the organ donation and transplant helpline number to further spread awareness in the community.

The President of Loving Hearts Goa, Mr. Mark D’ Souza, expressed gratitude to Sr. Rosarina Crasto, the Headmistress of St. Thomas Girls’ High School, for allowing the camp to be held at the school premises for the second time, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote health awareness and community service in Aldona.

Sports

High Drama in Goa: Esipenko Clinches Third as Wei Yi and Sindarov March to Tiebreak Showdown

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The 2025 FIDE World Cup finals delivered another gripping day in Goa, shaped by contrasting pressures on the boards. Javokhir Sindarov and Wei Yi entered with a calm understanding that a draw was the most probable outcome, one that would extend their battle into tiebreaks. That prediction proved accurate as their game ended quietly in under half an hour, both players conserving energy for the decisive day ahead.

On the adjacent board, the situation was far more tense. Nodirbek Yakubboev needed nothing less than a win to stay alive in the match for third place, but the burden of that requirement weighed heavily. Facing Andrey Esipenko, he chose an ambitious Neo-Catalan setup, but his early optimism faded when a single misjudged move—11.Bxd5—shifted the entire momentum. The decision surrendered the crucial light-squared bishop, a point immediately highlighted by GM Peter Leko in the commentary room, and the resulting loss of control allowed Esipenko to seize the initiative without hesitation. After precise replies including the strong …b5 and …Bb7 ideas, White’s position deteriorated rapidly. Even the tempting but poisonous capture on a8 failed tactically, and Yakubboev instead tried to navigate the complications with 13.Nf3, but by then the damage was irreparable.

What followed was a model positional display by Esipenko. He ignored computer-heavy lines in favor of natural, harmonious piece placement reminiscent of Capablanca’s elegant style. Every move strengthened his grip while limiting counterplay, and the final sequence—beginning with 24…Nc1 and culminating in an unstoppable mating net—was both clinical and aesthetically striking. With this victory, Esipenko secured third place outright, earning his spot in the 2026 Candidates and leaving the board visibly relieved after a taxing match.

Meanwhile, the final between Wei Yi and Sindarov featured another Rubinstein Variation of the Four Knights Spanish, a line well known for its symmetrical stability. Both players blitzed through their preparation and showed little interest in testing each other in the classical stage, signaling that the real battle awaits in tomorrow’s tiebreaks.

As the finalists prepare, their journeys to this moment highlight the strength and ambition of the new generation. Wei Yi, long acclaimed for his attacking brilliance and creativity, has reaffirmed his form throughout this event, adding to a career already decorated with national titles, Olympiad golds, and elite-level victories. His path through the tournament featured consistent excellence across formats, including key wins over top talents such as Arjun Erigaisi and Andrey Esipenko.

Sindarov, one of Uzbekistan’s brightest stars and a central figure in their Olympiad champion squad, has enjoyed a breakout year marked by major tournament victories and a near-2800 performance at the World Rapid Team Championship. Reaching the final in Goa stands as the biggest achievement of his career so far, underscoring his rise among the world’s elite. His road to the final included victories over experienced grandmasters and a particularly memorable quarterfinal marathon.

Both finalists have already secured their places in the 2026 Candidates, but tomorrow brings a different prize: the right to lift the Vishwanathan Anand Trophy and claim one of the most prestigious titles in modern chess. With the tiebreaks beginning at 15:00, all eyes will be on Goa as Wei Yi and Sindarov prepare for the decisive clash. The stage is set for a dramatic finish—one worthy of the tournament’s remarkable journey.

Sports

Goa’s Saibar Mulla Appointed BCCI Match Observer for India–South Africa Test in Guwahati

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s cricket administration has received a significant boost with the appointment of Saibar Mulla as the BCCI Match Observer for the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati. Mulla, a former junior cricketer who represented Goa at U-13, U-14, and U-15 levels, described this recognition as a proud moment not only for himself but for the entire Goan cricket community.

Reflecting on his journey, Saibar credited his father, Akbar Mulla—who served the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) in several key capacities including Treasurer, Senior Vice-President, and member of the BCCI Marketing Committee—for inspiring his early involvement in cricket administration. Over the years, Saibar served as President of Akbar Sports Club, managed club-level cricket operations, and actively participated in GCA organising committees for A Division, B Division, and Premier League tournaments, eventually becoming a co-opted member of the GCA.

He highlighted five key mentors who shaped his administrative journey: his father Akbar Mulla, senior GCA stalwart Chetan Desai, Vinod Phadke, former GCA President Suraj Lotlikar, and current GCA President Mahesh Desai. Their guidance, combined with his own dedication, paved the way for his national-level appointment.

As a BCCI Match Observer, Saibar will oversee the logistical and operational aspects of the Test match, ensuring compliance with regulations and smooth execution of the event. He emphasized the broader significance of this role, stating that it reflects the emerging administrative talent from Goa and serves as inspiration for umpires, scorers, and administrators in the state.

Saibar’s journey from a junior cricketer to a national-level administrator illustrates Goa’s contribution to Indian cricket beyond the playing field. He hopes his appointment will motivate young Goans to pursue careers behind the scenes in cricket, stressing the importance of hard work, passion, and dedication to the sport. This achievement stands as a testament to Goa’s growing presence in national cricket administration and highlights the state’s commitment to nurturing talent and contributing meaningfully to Indian cricket.