In a vibrant celebration of nature and conservation, the Forest Department and Directorate of Education, Goa, observed Vanamahotsava 2025 at Government High School, Savarde, in Sattari on 14th July.
Hon’ble Forest Minister Shri Vishwajit P. Rane presided over the event and emphasized the importance of preserving Goa’s biodiversity. As part of the initiative, he participated in the ceremonial planting of fruiting trees, promoting the need to integrate eco-friendly habits in educational spaces.
A key highlight of the event was the flagging off of the Seedling Distribution Van and Wildlife Rescue Van, symbolizing the state’s commitment to conservation and proactive environmental education. These vans will play a crucial role in spreading green cover across Goa and responding to animal rescue calls.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, forest officials, and community members who pledged to protect and nurture nature. With a clear focus on instilling environmental values from a young age, Vanamahotsava 2025 became a memorable milestone for the school and the region.
The celebration not only promoted greenery but also sowed seeds of awareness and responsibility in the hearts of Goa’s future generations.
Panaji, July 3, 2025 – In a decisive move to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), the Government of Goa has launched a statewide, multi-pronged public health campaign with the goal of becoming India’s first TB-free state by 2025. The campaign, part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), combines grassroots community engagement, financial aid, and digital health monitoring to tackle TB head-on.
Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane highlighted the government’s commitment to a “unified and patient-centered approach” in the fight against TB. He reaffirmed that the state is investing in both infrastructure and human resources to ensure no TB patient is left behind.
“We are on track to achieve TB Mukt Goa,” said Rane. “Through coordinated efforts and accountability at every level, our vision is not just a reduction in TB, but total eradication.”
Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Supporting Patients, Nutritionally and Financially
A key pillar of the campaign is the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme that provides nutritional support to TB patients. The government is actively collecting bank account details to ensure timely and transparent fund disbursement.
This move not only addresses malnutrition-related vulnerabilities but also builds trust and continuity in treatment adherence.
Strengthening Health Infrastructure and Monitoring
To improve TB care, the government has deployed:
Medical Officers
Community Health Officers (CHOs)
AYUSH doctors
These professionals are placed across all Primary Health Institutions and tasked with continuous care, follow-ups, and home-based support.
Under the Differentiated TB Care Model, CHOs:
Conduct bi-weekly home visits
Dispense treatment incentives
Record patient progress through the Nikshay portal
Each TB patient’s treatment progress is now geo-tagged, providing real-time tracking and improving accountability across the system.
Contact Tracing and Early Detection
Goa has also tightened its contact tracing protocols:
Every household contact of a TB patient is screened
High-risk individuals receive chest X-rays
Results are rapidly uploaded to the Nikshay system for early intervention
These measures significantly reduce diagnosis delays and enable faster medical response.
TB-Free Panchayats: Grassroots Movement in Action
The campaign also aims to create TB-Free Panchayats, with each panchayat required to meet six health criteria to qualify. Weekly updates are submitted to the Directorate of Health Services, ensuring continuous progress tracking.
Community partnerships are central to this initiative. Healthcare workers, local authorities, and residents collaborate to raise awareness, boost case detection, and foster a collective sense of responsibility.
A Long Road, but Strong Resolve
Despite registering around 2,000 new TB cases annually and facing a mortality rate higher than the national average, Goa’s comprehensive strategy reflects a determined and hopeful trajectory.
By integrating technology, community care, and financial support, the state is not just managing TB — it is moving toward eliminating it.
The Goal: TB Mukt Goa by 2025
With firm leadership, innovation, and grassroots mobilization, Goa is rewriting the narrative on tuberculosis in India. The state’s journey toward a TB-free future stands as a model for other regions to emulate.
In a heartfelt and touching gesture, MLA Dr. Deviya Rane penned a beautiful birthday message to her husband, Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane. The message, which was shared on the occasion of Shri Vishwajit Rane’s birthday, highlighted his unwavering dedication, leadership, and vision, which continue to inspire those around him.
Dr. Deviya Rane praised her husband’s relentless efforts in introducing transformative initiatives that benefit the common man. These initiatives include strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding medical facilities, enhancing rural development, and ensuring improved connectivity and welfare programs for the people of Goa.
“Your initiatives not only bring progress but also spread positivity and instill confidence in the people of Sattari and Goa,” she wrote. “Your commitment to uplifting lives, fostering growth, and building a stronger future for our state is truly commendable.”
A Message of Love and Appreciation
Dr. Deviya Rane’s message was not only a tribute to her husband’s leadership and vision but also a heartfelt expression of love and appreciation. “May this year bring you good health, happiness, and continued success in all your endeavors,” she wrote. “Wishing you strength and prosperity as you continue serving the people with the same passion and determination.”
Dr. Deviya Rane’s heartfelt message was a fitting tribute to her husband’s remarkable work and dedication to the people of Goa.
In a significant move, the Goa government has appointed Frazella De Araujo as the head of both the Health and Women and Child Development departments, as announced by Minister Vishwajit Rane . This appointment is effective immediately, and De Araujo will also serve as an advisor to the Health Minister.
In her new role, De Araujo will be responsible for overseeing the operations of both departments, including outreach initiatives and policy development.
De Araujo’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the healthcare and social services sectors in Goa. Her experience and expertise in creating and implementing outreach programs will be invaluable in driving positive change in the state.
As the head of both departments, De Araujo’s key responsibilities will include:
Overseeing the operations of the Health and Women and Child Development departments
Developing and implementing outreach initiatives and policies
Collaborating with stakeholders to drive positive change in the healthcare and social services sectors
De Araujo will be supported in her new role by Dr. Geeta Deshmukh, who will provide expertise and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation of initiatives.
This appointment is a significant step forward for the Goa government, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s healthcare and social services sectors.
In a heartwarming gesture, Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane visited the residence of Shri Joshua De Souza, MLA of Mapusa Constituency, to extend his warmest wishes on the occasion of his wedding. This thoughtful act reflects the strong bond between the two leaders and their families.
Rane’s visit to Joshua’s residence was a testament to the deep respect and admiration he has for the De Souza family. During his visit, he had the pleasure of meeting Joshua’s mother and reminiscing about cherished memories. The two leaders fondly remembered Joshua’s late father, former Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Francis D’Souza, whose invaluable contributions to the state have left a lasting legacy.
Rane expressed his heartfelt wishes to Joshua and his wife, praying that they have a lifetime filled with love, joy, and togetherness. He also wished Joshua and his family the very best always, reflecting the deep affection and respect he has for the family.
As Joshua begins this new chapter in his life, he has the well-wishes and support of his colleagues, friends, and family. Rane’s visit was a reminder that even in the midst of busy political lives, personal relationships and friendships are cherished and nurtured.
