Tag: Public Health

Human Interest

Deepika Padukone Becomes the Voice of Meta AI and India’s First Mental Health Ambassador

Tanisha Cardozo

Bollywood superstar and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has taken on two impactful roles, further expanding her influence across technology and public health. She has officially become the voice of Meta AI—marking a first for an Indian celebrity to be integrated into AI platforms across multiple countries including India, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

In a video shared on Instagram, Deepika is seen in a recording studio, lending her voice to Meta’s AI assistant. “Hi, I am Deepika Padukone. I am the new voice of Meta AI. So tap the ring and my voice will run out,” she says, announcing the launch of her collaboration with the tech giant.

In the same week, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Deepika was appointed by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador of India. The appointment recognizes her longstanding commitment to mental wellness through her NGO, The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL), which she founded after personally battling depression. The ministry’s recognition is a major milestone in India’s efforts to prioritize mental health within the public health ecosystem.

Sharing her gratitude, Deepika posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking the government and the Ministry. She also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in bringing mental health to the forefront of national dialogue. “Through my own journey and the work we’ve done at @tlllfoundation over the past decade, I’ve seen how much is possible when we come together to build a mentally healthy India,” she wrote. She also shared a photo from her meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.

Deepika’s dual announcements reflect her growing influence beyond cinema—where her voice is not only powering conversations with AI users but also helping reshape India’s mental health narrative. Whether it’s tech innovation or national advocacy, she is using her platform to create impact in areas that matter.

On the work front, she has also begun shooting for ‘King,’ her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan, following the massive success of ‘Jawan’ directed by Atlee. With each project, Deepika continues to build a legacy that blends entertainment, empathy, and empowerment.

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.

Business

Asia’s Largest Hospital to Rise in Pune, Named After Lata Mangeshkar

allycaralgoa

In a historic decision, the Maharashtra government has announced the construction of Asia’s largest hospital in Pune, dedicated to the legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

The upcoming facility aims to provide state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and world-class healthcare services, catering to millions of patients from across India and beyond. It will also stand as a lasting tribute to the “Nightingale of India,” whose voice touched hearts across generations.

Officials highlighted that the hospital will:

  • Offer cutting-edge medical treatment and advanced healthcare facilities.
  • Serve as a hub for medical research, innovation, and training.
  • Provide affordable and accessible healthcare to people across social and economic backgrounds.
  • Contribute to Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a leader in healthcare infrastructure.

By naming this ambitious project after Lata Mangeshkar, the government seeks to immortalize her contributions to Indian culture while creating a healthcare institution that echoes her spirit of service and inspiration.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s healthcare system and honoring one of its most iconic legends.

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.

Health

Molbio Diagnostics Empowers Philippines to Fast-Track TB Elimination with Truenat and Ultra-Portable X-ray Tech

Tanisha Cardozo

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the Philippines’ most pressing public health challenges, with nearly 190,000 cases going undetected each year. In a transformative move aligned with the UN goal to treat 2.1 million TB cases by 2027, the Philippines Department of Health has embraced Indian innovation to revolutionize its TB response.

At the forefront is the Truenat® platform, a WHO-endorsed, ICMR-approved molecular diagnostic solution developed by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics. Designed for portability, accuracy, and speed, the Truenat® system supports rapid testing not just for TB, but for a wide array of infectious diseases, including HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B & C.

Currently, 68 Truenat® devices are operational across the Philippines. A pilot on Bantayan Island yielded a staggering 1008% increase in TB detection — a powerful testament to the platform’s impact.

Geographic barriers, under-resourced labs, and limited rural access have long hindered TB diagnosis in the Philippines. Truenat®, alongside the newly approved PRORAD Atlas Ultraportable X-ray system, now makes it possible to deliver end-to-end screening, diagnosis, and treatment — even in the most isolated communities.

During an official visit to Molbio’s facility in India, Philippines Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J Herbosa commended the partnership, calling it a “beacon of innovation” and highlighting the broader strategic alliance between the two nations. “Truenat® allows for swift and accurate TB screenings, enhancing our capacity to manage and eventually eliminate TB within our borders,” he said.

This healthcare collaboration reflects a growing Indo-Philippine partnership that now exceeds $3 billion in trade, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and beyond.

Molbio Diagnostics will further its engagement with the Philippines by hosting a panel at the 31st Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) Annual Convention in Manila on August 14–15, 2025.

The company’s broader mission continues through projects like a multi-country R2D2 TB Network study exploring tongue-swab molecular testing — a game-changer for TB detection among children and people with HIV/AIDS.

“By bringing diagnostics to the doorstep of underserved communities, we aim to close the TB care gap and help countries build stronger, more resilient health systems,” said Shiva Sriram, President of Molbio Diagnostics.