Tag: Preventive Healthcare

Health

Manipal Hospital Goa Launches ‘mahi’ — A Next-Generation Preventive Health & Wellness Platform

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Goa — Manipal Hospital Goa, part of the Manipal Hospitals Group, has officially launched mahi (Manipal Hospitals Healthy India), a next-generation preventive health and wellness platform aimed at making proactive healthcare simple, accessible, and personalised.

The platform was formally launched by Dr. Maya Pai Dhungat, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician at Manipal Hospitals, Panaji, in the presence of senior leadership including Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director; Mrs. Gauri Naik, Marketing Manager; Dr. Sheren Bhat, Medical Superintendent; Dr. Pratima Bahadoria, Operations Manager; Mr. Subhash Nayak, Engineering & Maintenance Manager; Delina Figueiredo, Human Resource Manager; Anita T, Nursing Superintendent; Jince Jose, Finance Manager; along with hospital staff and patients.

The launch comes at a time when India’s preventive healthcare market is rapidly expanding, driven by growing health awareness, post-pandemic behavioural shifts, and the increasing burden of chronic diseases affecting millions. The initiative reflects a strong focus on early detection, regular monitoring, and proactive wellness practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, highlighted that preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in long-term well-being, enabling individuals to make informed health decisions and reduce the impact of chronic illnesses through early diagnosis.

Designed as a personalised wellness companion, mahi supports users throughout their health journey — from screenings and consultations to vaccinations and ongoing wellness guidance. The platform introduces profile-based health check packages tailored for Teens, Men, Women, Seniors, and Super Seniors, ensuring relevance across different life stages.

mahi integrates multiple services into a connected preventive healthcare ecosystem, including:

• mahi check — curated screening packages
• mahi doc — round-the-clock doctor consultations
• mahi shots — adult and preventive vaccinations

Accessible via digital platforms such as the website and mobile app, as well as assisted hospital and community touchpoints, mahi aims to simplify healthcare engagement for individuals and families.

With its blend of digital convenience, customised health offerings, and clinical expertise, Manipal Hospital Goa positions mahi as a positive lifestyle choice — encouraging people to adopt preventive healthcare as a consistent habit rather than a reactive response.

Health Scope

Saving Your Child’s Tooth: A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Dental Care

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Losing a baby tooth is often celebrated as a sign of growing up, but the loss of a permanent tooth can have long-term physical and emotional consequences. For parents, understanding pediatric dental care is essential to ensure a child’s healthy development and confident smile. Many dental problems in children begin quietly and progress rapidly if not addressed in time.

Cavities remain one of the most common dental issues among children, often caused by poor brushing habits, frequent consumption of sugary foods, and sleeping with milk bottles. While minor cavities can be treated easily with fillings, deeper decay may lead to infections that require root canal treatment and crowns. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing pain and complex procedures.

Dental injuries are another concern, especially as children become more active. Falls, sports injuries, and everyday accidents can damage or completely knock out teeth. In such cases, immediate action is vital. A knocked-out tooth should be handled carefully, rinsed gently, and either placed back into the socket or stored in milk or the child’s saliva before reaching a dentist as quickly as possible. Timely intervention can often save the tooth.

Orthodontic issues may also develop early, even before all permanent teeth appear. Jaw misalignment, crowded teeth, or bite problems can worsen over time if ignored. Early evaluation allows dentists to guide proper jaw growth and reduce the need for extensive treatment later.

Prevention remains the most effective approach to pediatric dental care. Regular dental check-ups every six months help identify issues early, while daily brushing, flossing, and supervised oral hygiene routines build healthy habits. Encouraging nutritious, tooth-friendly foods and limiting sugary snacks further supports strong teeth and gums.

By prioritising dental care from a young age, parents can help ensure that their children grow up with healthy teeth, fewer complications, and confident smiles that last a lifetime.

Social

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.

Health

Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: Health Camp in Mayem Receives Overwhelming Response

Tanisha Cardozo

A free health camp organised under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar (SNSP) Abhiyaan at Mayem Panchayat Hall on 21st September witnessed an enthusiastic response, with over 100 women and children availing themselves of a range of medical services.

The initiative, led by the Public Health Centre (PHC), Mayem, provided critical preventive and diagnostic services such as general checkups, blood pressure monitoring, haemoglobin testing, diabetes screening, breast cancer screening, PAP smear tests, sputum collection, chest X-rays, and eye checkups — all free of cost.

The event was inaugurated by Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who lauded the initiative as a proactive step towards preventing medical emergencies and promoting family health through better women’s healthcare. “These camps are crucial for improving the health of women, which in turn leads to stronger, healthier households,” he stated.

Premendra Shet, MLA of Mayem, highlighted that the health camp was part of broader welfare efforts under the “Seva Parva” initiative. He praised the selfless efforts of doctors and healthcare staff in bringing quality medical services to grassroots communities.

Other dignitaries present included Chandrakant Shetye, MLA from Bicholim Constituency; former MLA Damu Naik; and the Sarpanch of Mayem Panchayat. Dr. Urmila Gauns, the Nodal Officer for the camp, welcomed the guests and coordinated the camp’s activities along with the local health department staff.

The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th September as a national mission to deliver preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services to women and children. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women & Child Development, the campaign aims to conduct over 10 lakh health camps across the country until 2nd October, focusing on reaching the last mile.

In Goa, health camps are being held across all villages, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery. The Mayem health camp serves as a shining example of what community-based outreach can achieve when local leaders and medical professionals come together with a shared mission.

Human Interest

Shocking Tragedy: 40-Year-Old Man Dies of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Minutes After Sending Sick Leave Message

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

 In a shocking and heartbreaking incident, Shankar, a 40-year-old professional, died of a sudden cardiac arrest just minutes after texting his manager to request sick leave.

At 8:37 am, Shankar sent a message to his manager, KV Iyyer:
“Sir, due to heavy back pain, I am unable to come today. So please grant me leave.”

His manager responded casually, treating it as a routine request:
“Okay, you take a rest.”

Barely ten minutes later, at 8:47 am, Shankar collapsed at his home and passed away from cardiac arrest.

Netizens React with Shock

KV Iyyer shared the incident on X, and the post quickly went viral. Social media users reacted with grief, disbelief, and concern:

  • “Shocking indeed and also very tragic considering his age and family. May his aatma attain sadgati. Om shanti.”
  • “Extremely tragic. Also, nice of you to visit him personally. May his soul rest in peace.”
  • “Sir, in cases of cardiac arrest, no medical aid can help. It’s just like a sudden electricity shutdown. Very tragic.”

Colleagues described Shankar as “healthy and fit.” He avoided smoking and alcohol, lived a disciplined life, and had been with his company for six years. He is survived by his wife and young child.

Rising Cardiac Arrest Cases in India

This case has reignited concerns about the growing incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among relatively young and seemingly healthy individuals in India.

  • According to cardiologists, lifestyle stress, undiagnosed heart conditions, and lack of preventive screening contribute to these cases.
  • Unlike a heart attack, a cardiac arrest often strikes without warning, making immediate CPR and emergency response critical.

Shankar’s sudden demise is not just a personal tragedy but a wake-up call for professionals across India to prioritize health over work and deadlines. Experts stress the importance of:

  • Regular health check-ups
  • Awareness of symptoms like chest pain, unexplained fatigue, or back pain
  • Learning CPR to respond in emergencies

As tributes pour in, Shankar’s story serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to address India’s growing heart health crisis.