Goa Chief Minister Unveils Major Health Initiatives in Budget Speech
In a significant move to bolster public health, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented the state budget on Friday, announcing a comprehensive free adult pneumococcal vaccination programme. This initiative is set to benefit 50,000 senior citizens across Goa, with an allocation of Rs 5 crore dedicated to its implementation. "This will protect seniors from bacteria that infect their lungs," emphasized Sawant during his speech, highlighting the programme's focus on preventing respiratory infections among the elderly population.
Substantial Increase in Health Budget and Infrastructure Upgrades
The health sector received a notable boost, with the budget increasing by Rs 95.76 crore, marking a 4.5% rise compared to the previous fiscal year. Key announcements include the establishment of day-care centres for chemotherapy at both district hospitals, aimed at enhancing cancer care accessibility. Additionally, a population-based cancer registry will be created to develop a robust database for improving evidence-based decision-making, cancer control measures, and overall health outcomes.
To reduce patient referrals to the Goa Medical College (GMC), the government plans to upgrade care facilities at district hospitals by setting up level-2 emergency care units. At GMC, online appointments will be extended to all departments this year, alongside the launch of telemedicine and teleICU services to modernize healthcare delivery.
New Construction Projects and Departmental Expansions
Sawant outlined several construction projects, including a 120-bed chest and TB hospital block, a blood bank near the super speciality block at GMC, a college block for GMC, a new resident doctors’ hostel, and an allied health sciences college with a hostel for 200 students. The 100-bed hospital at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) is scheduled for completion by December this year, while the pending Rs 45 crore day-care centre project will commence in April.
Of the total Rs 963 crore allocated for health services, Rs 60 crore is earmarked for capital expenditure. The government will enhance manpower, equipment, machinery, ambulances, and facilities at health centres and government hospitals to improve overall healthcare infrastructure.
Focus on Neurodiversity, Ayush, and Laboratory Upgrades
In a bid to promote inclusivity, statewide "neurodiversity awareness" programmes will be introduced in schools, coordinated with the Indian Medical Association's Goa unit. "The goal will be to create awareness of autism spectrum disorders and equip KG teachers with tools to recognise signs early on," stated Sawant. A new Ayush department focused on traditional Indian medicine will be established, with Ayush camps organized across the state to spread awareness.
Further upgrades include equipping the Goa Dental College with new medical equipment and machinery, while the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will enhance its laboratories with high-quality tools such as gas chromatography machines and microscopes for analysing food and drug samples. A new laboratory building with state-of-the-art facilities will also be constructed to meet the FDA's evolving needs.
