Tag: public health Goa

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St. Britto High School Hosts Successful Blood Donation Camp in Collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

This marked the fourth blood donation camp conducted at the school. The initiative was supported by Mr Vian Lobo, proprietor of Cell World and Samsung Smart Cafe in Porvorim, who is a proud alumnus of the 1995 batch.


Prior to the event, Ranjit Rodrigues met with Rev. Fr. Basil, Headmaster of St. Britto High School, to plan the camp. Mr Ranjit also encouraged teachers to invite parents to participate, and Sir Ian was appointed as the camp coordinator. The effort saw active involvement from members of Loving Hearts Goa and the school’s teaching staff. Each blood donor has the potential to save three to four lives.

An organ donation awareness desk was set up by Gabriel, Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation and Secretary of Loving Hearts Goa. He educated attendees about the importance of organ and tissue donation, explaining that organ donation is possible in cases of brain death, while tissue and whole-body donation can occur after circulatory death at home — in both cases requiring family consent. Around 50 FAQ flyers were distributed, and two individuals pledged to become organ donors.

At the conclusion of the camp, Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Basil; Rev. Fr. Denzil, Primary In-Charge; Tr. Sandy for motivating the teachers; Sir Ian for coordination; Vian Lobo;  Selina, Librarian; and all the donors for contributing to the success of the initiative.

Social

Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera & Jollyboard Limited Donate Advanced Phacoemulsification Machine to South Goa District Hospital

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In a significant step toward strengthening public healthcare in Goa, the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, in partnership with Jollyboard Limited, has donated an advanced Phacoemulsification machine worth ₹25 lakh to the South Goa District Hospital in Margao. Another essential cataract equipment was also contributed through the Govindram Jolly Charitable Trust, further expanding the hospital’s ability to serve underprivileged patients. This initiative marks a meaningful advancement in the availability of high-quality cataract treatment, ensuring that individuals from economically weaker sections can benefit from free and advanced surgical care. Cataract remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in India, and access to cutting-edge technology such as this machine can dramatically reduce wait times, improve outcomes, and restore vision for countless individuals.

Rtn. Tanvi Attreya Sawant, Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, emphasized the social impact of the donation, stating that the initiative would help restore independence and improve the quality of life for people across the state. For many families, the ability to access free, high-precision cataract surgery is transformative, removing financial barriers that often delay or prevent critical treatment. With this latest contribution, the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera and Jollyboard Limited have together donated medical equipment worth ₹1.28 crore to the South Goa District Hospital, reflecting an ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and uplifting communities.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Rtn. Rashmi Jolly, Chairperson & Executive Director of Jollyboard Limited; Rtn. Vinaykumar Pai Raikar, Past District Governor RID 3170; Rtn. Lenny Dcosta, DGE RID 3170; and Dr. Rupa Naik, Director of the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative effort in addressing healthcare challenges and advancing public welfare. The initiative stands as a powerful example of how partnerships between NGOs, CSR bodies, and healthcare institutions can create long-lasting impact. Through continued dedication to community service, the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera continues to inspire hope and drive positive change across Goa.

Health

Goa Marks National Voluntary Blood Donation Day with Inspiring Ceremony at Secretariat

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, Goa | 1st October 2025 – Goa joined the nation in celebrating National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, with a meaningful ceremony held at the Secretariat, Porvorim. The event was inaugurated by Secretary (Health), Shri Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion.

Organized by the Goa State Blood Transfusion Council in collaboration with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), the event embraced this year’s national theme:
“Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives.”

The ceremony brought together a host of senior health officials and dignitaries, including:

  • Dr. Vandana Dhume, Project Director, GSACS
  • Smt. Shweta Dessai, Director, FDA Goa
  • Dr. Nelishka Gomes, Senior Pathologist, Asilo Hospital
  • Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman, Red Cross Society, Goa

Speakers underscored the urgent need for voluntary and regular blood donations, emphasizing that a single donation can save multiple lives. The event highlighted the importance of community participation and celebrated the selfless spirit of blood donors across Goa.

Through such observances, the state aims to foster a stronger culture of voluntary blood donation, ensuring timely access to safe blood for those in need — from accident victims to those battling chronic illness.

The event was not only a call to action but a tribute to every individual who steps up to give the gift of life — one drop at a time.

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.