Tag: Healthcare Innovation

Health

Dr. Sairaj Phaldessai Appointed as Collaborator in Rural Health by The University of Tokyo

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

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

Augmented Reality Revolutionises Joint Replacement Surgery in Goa with Pixee Technology

Tanisha Cardozo

In a transformative leap for orthopaedic care, Goa has successfully completed 50 joint replacement surgeries using Pixee, a revolutionary Augmented Reality (AR) surgical platform developed in France and introduced in India by global medtech leader Meril.

Spearheaded by Dr. Ameya Velingker and his team at Bone and Joint Care, this achievement marks Goa’s entry into the future of surgical innovation.

Pixee is an AR-assisted surgical platform that provides real-time 3D anatomical visualisation during joint replacement procedures. It helps surgeons view exact internal anatomy and make highly precise incisions and alignments, reducing human error and improving the overall outcome of the surgery.

Using smart glasses and tracking systems, Pixee overlays real-time digital guides on the surgeon’s field of view. This ensures:

  • Accurate bone alignment
  • Minimal tissue damage
  • Shorter surgery duration
  • Reduced post-op complications
  • Faster recovery for patients

“Integrating Pixee AR technology into our surgical practice has been a game-changer,” said Dr. Ameya Velingker.
“We’re now able to visualise patient anatomy in real time, make ultra-precise incisions, and complete procedures more efficiently. This means less blood loss, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes for our patients.”

While the spotlight is currently on orthopaedics, AR is poised to transform multiple medical fields. Its applications in neurosurgery, oncology, and cardiology are expanding rapidly. Whether it’s guiding a brain surgeon through a delicate procedure or helping an oncologist localise a tumour, AR’s potential to improve safety and precision is unmatched.

This milestone places Goa at the forefront of healthcare innovation in India. Patients no longer need to travel to metropolitan cities for state-of-the-art care. With AR-powered procedures now available locally, Bone and Joint Care is reshaping how surgeries are experienced in the region.

As Bone and Joint Care continues to pioneer advancements in AR-assisted surgery, the future of minimally invasive, precise, and patient-focused care becomes a reality. This is just the beginning of how technology like Pixee is reshaping the surgical landscape — one joint at a time.

Health

Goa Makes Healthcare History with India’s First Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies

allycaralgoa

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.

Health

Manipal Hospital Goa Unveils VELYS Robotic System, Revolutionising Knee Replacement Surgery in the State

Tanisha Cardozo

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.