Goa stands as a pinnacle among global tourism destinations, drawing visitors worldwide to bask in its unparalleled charm. The allure of Goa is such that once experienced, the desire to return is insatiable, driven by an innate longing for rejuvenation and relaxation.
In the realm of rejuvenation, Goa has carved a niche for itself as a premier medical tourism hub in the global arena. This reputation was cemented during the tumultuous era of COVID-19, when Goa emerged as a beacon of solace, welcoming those fortunate enough to journey to its shores when all other avenues were closed. Indeed, Goa’s resilience in adversity is attributed to its divine blessings, rendering it impervious to calamity. Here, amidst the tranquil embrace of Goa’s shores, one finds the physical healing sought in medical tourism and solace for the soul. Goa offers a sanctuary where one can nurture both body and spirit, reaffirming its status as a sanctuary blessed by the divine.
I have recently penned a narrative detailing the evolution of Goa’s foremost medical institution, the Goa Medical College and Hospitals. Established in 1691 under the dominion of Portuguese rulers who held sway over Goa for four and a half centuries, this institution stood as a singular beacon of healthcare during their reign. Following independence, it continued to serve the populace, albeit amidst shifting societal needs.
As lifestyles evolved, so too did the demand for sophisticated medical care. This prompted the emergence of several private entities eager to fulfill the growing need for premium healthcare services within the state. Among these pioneers was Manipal Hospitals, which made its foray into Goa in 1994, introducing advanced medical facilities previously unavailable in the region.
According to Mr. Surendra Prasad, Director of Manipal Hospitals Goa, the state currently grapples with a deficit in advanced medical infrastructure, a pressing need in contemporary times. “Goa faces a scarcity of specialized medical care centers and a shortage of adequately trained healthcare professionals,” he remarked, underscoring the challenge of providing affordable healthcare within the region. He referenced data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), highlighting a concerning trend: the number of cancer patients in India surged from 14.5 lakhs in 2016 to 15.17 lakhs in 2017, a significant increase within just six years.
The Manipal Group traces its roots back to 1953 when Dr. T.M.A. Pai established the Kasturba Medical College on a desolate hill on the outskirts of Udupi in Karnataka. Over the ensuing years, a multitude of academic institutions emerged, transforming this once-barren landscape into the bustling town of Manipal. These establishments were consolidated under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), which attained the distinction of being India’s first deemed university in 1993. Presently, MAHE, nestled within the university town of Manipal, hosts a diverse student body exceeding 28,000 individuals hailing from over 57 different nations.
“Recognizing the potential,” remarked Mr. Surendra, “the Manipal Group envisioned establishing a Multi-Speciality medical facility in Goa, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver effective medical care utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative treatments.” Since its inception in 1994, Manipal Hospitals Goa has undergone a transformative journey of evolution and expansion. “Our commitment,” he emphasized, “to creating Life’s On Moments in the lives of our patients has been the driving force behind Manipal Hospitals Goa, a mission we’ve realized to the utmost.”
Today, Manipal Hospitals Goa stands as a premier medical institution within the state, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled medical professionals. “As we mark 30 years of dedicated service in Goa’s medical landscape,” remarked Mr. Surendra, “we take pride in our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare, underpinned by cutting-edge infrastructure and the expertise of our trained medical staff. Throughout our journey, we have remained steadfast in upholding ethical standards.”
The hospital has garnered acclaim for its comprehensive Cancer Care Services, leveraging world-class equipment for both diagnosis and treatment. “Our focus,” Mr. Surendra affirmed, “remains on delivering holistic care to our patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and support.”
Another significant milestone attained by Manipal Hospitals Goa is the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities for Robotic Surgery. “This advancement allows for minimally invasive procedures,” explained Mr. Surendra, highlighting the hospital’s position at the forefront of medical innovation. He elaborated that this technology facilitates painless and comfortable surgeries, made possible through cutting-edge advancements.
Mr. Surendra emphasized that Robotic Surgery ensures heightened accuracy in both diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it contributes to shortened surgical durations and accelerated recovery times, all under the guidance of expertly trained super-specialized surgeons. This integration of advanced technology underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing optimal patient care and outcomes.
Addressing the challenges confronting the healthcare industry in Goa, Mr. Surendra highlighted several critical issues. Foremost among these challenges is the state’s infrastructure and resource limitations. “The scarcity of resources and underdeveloped infrastructure presents a significant hurdle in delivering comprehensive healthcare services, particularly in remote areas,” he explained. Furthermore, the restricted access to specialized medical care and advanced treatment facilities compels patients to seek healthcare services beyond the borders of Goa. This phenomenon often stems from a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, encompassing doctors, nurses, and well-trained technical staff.
Mr. Surendra also underscored affordability as a substantial concern, impacting certain segments of society and impeding their access to the best available medical services within the state. These multifaceted challenges demand concerted efforts from stakeholders to bridge gaps and enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for all residents of Goa.
Despite concerted efforts to raise awareness about early disease detection and preventive healthcare measures, Manipal Hospitals Goa recognizes the persistent lack of awareness among a significant portion of the population, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. “To address these challenges,” explained Mr. Surendra, “we have spared no effort in introducing state-of-the-art equipment and modern medical facilities.”
He elaborated that the facilities provided by Manipal Hospitals Goa are designed to ensure the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services. “Our hospital offers a wide array of medical facilities, encompassing advanced surgeries and procedures to meet the diverse healthcare needs of society,” Mr. Surendra emphasized. Additionally, the hospital boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, dedicated to delivering quality care and patient service.
Moreover, Mr. Surendra reiterated that Manipal Hospitals Goa’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare services without compromising on quality, thereby making healthcare accessible to all segments of society. Through these measures, the hospital endeavours to bridge gaps in healthcare awareness and accessibility, ensuring the well-being of the community it serves.
Mr. Surendra highlighted Manipal Hospitals Goa’s active engagement in community outreach programs aimed at promoting health awareness and benefits. “Our efforts have been directed towards raising awareness on preventive healthcare, encouraging early disease detection,” he stated. Through these initiatives, the hospital seeks to empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being.
“We are dedicated to overcoming the challenges faced by the healthcare industry in Goa,” Mr. Surendra affirmed, “by providing superior healthcare facilities to the people of the state.” By actively engaging with the community and promoting preventive healthcare measures, Manipal Hospitals Goa endeavours to foster a healthier and more informed populace, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of Goa’s residents.
Speaking about the cutting-edge cancer treatment facility, Mr. Surendra shed light on the significance of modern amenities in cancer care within the state. “When Manipal Hospitals Goa was established in 1994 under the ownership of the Goa Cancer Society, it marked a pivotal moment. The Society, recognizing the need for advanced medical services, forged a strategic alliance with Manipal Hospitals. This partnership brought forth not only Manipal’s expertise but also ushered in a new era of advanced medical care in Goa,” he explained. Today, the hospital stands as a beacon of excellence, boasting one of the most sophisticated medical facilities in the state. “The facility is meticulously designed to deliver comprehensive cancer care, encompassing diagnosis and supportive therapies for all cancer types. This includes medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care.”
Manipal Hospitals Goa boasts an advanced diagnostic facility tailored for cancer patients, featuring PET-CT Scans, MRI, CT Scans, and Molecular Imaging. These cutting-edge technologies enable early and precise cancer detection, facilitating timely intervention. “Manipal Goa stands out as possibly the sole hospital offering PET-CT Scan and Molecular Imaging Facility,” highlighted Mr. Surendra. He emphasized how these tools provide comprehensive insights into organ structure and function in a single imaging study. “Moreover, they offer added advantages in diagnosing certain cardiovascular conditions, neurological diseases, and infections.”
Complementing this state-of-the-art infrastructure is a proficient team comprising trained oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, and technical staff. Their dedication ensures top-notch care for cancer patients at Manipal Hospitals Goa.
In addition to its world-class cancer speciality treatment, Manipal Hospital Goa actively champions organ donation initiatives, aiming to save numerous lives. “We have long been involved in organ donation awareness programs,” mentioned Mr. Surendra. These initiatives collaborate with the India Medical Associations and SOTTO (State Organ Transplant Organisation). “We conduct awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, educating students about organ donation from brain-dead and deceased individuals. Furthermore, we hold meetings within the hospital premises to inform patients and their families about kidney disease and the process of organ donation, offering hope for a second chance at life.”
Manipal Hospitals Goa achieved significant milestones, including declaring brain death in 2014 and orchestrating the first multi-organ donations in Goa in 2018. “We’ve also successfully conducted living kidney donations, where relatives generously donated kidneys to their loved ones, culminating in successful surgeries.”
Mr. Surendra also shared insights into the recent launch of the Center for Pediatric Development at Manipal Hospitals Goa. “The establishment of the Center for Pediatric Development signifies a crucial step towards fostering positive development and addressing behavioural challenges in children,” he noted. This specialized department focuses on implementing early intervention strategies to identify and rectify developmental delays and behavioural impairments in children.
At the core of this center lies a multidisciplinary team comprising pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and special educators. Their collective expertise allows for comprehensive assessments and a holistic approach tailored to the unique needs of each child. Through thorough evaluations and diagnostic procedures, the center identifies developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioural issues. Subsequently, a range of therapeutic interventions, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and educational interventions, are offered to address these challenges.
Furthermore, Mr. Surendra emphasized the importance of parental education and support provided by the center. “Parental education support is integral, empowering parents to comprehend their child’s developmental requirements and implement effective strategies for fostering growth at home,” he stated. Recognizing parental intervention as pivotal for children’s overall development, the center prioritizes equipping parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to support their child’s progress.
Lastly, through community outreach programs, the center actively raises awareness about child development, early intervention practices, and available resources. “In essence, the Center for Pediatric Development at Manipal Hospitals Goa plays a vital role in promoting the holistic development and well-being of children in Goa by offering early intervention services and comprehensive assessments,” Mr. Surendra concluded.
Discover more from Incredible Goa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
