Vishwajit Rane, the health minister of Goa, unveiled a number of important projects on Sunday that will improve the state’s healthcare system by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and public-private partnerships. These efforts include the use of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) equipment and X-ray screening devices with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to identify tuberculosis (TB) early on. These initiatives are a component of Goa’s larger plan to fight tuberculosis, particularly in high-risk regions.
The state is actively taking part in the nationwide “100 days of TB elimination” program, Rane emphasized. By promoting public participation, this program aims to increase awareness and spur action to eradicate tuberculosis. Targeting at-risk areas, the campaign will run from January 1 to January 12. These outreach initiatives will heavily include local kids, organizations, and influential community leaders. The Nikshay Mitra program will encourage local engagement as part of its endeavor to further engage the community. The TB awareness message will also be promoted through Republic Day celebrations, with a special emphasis on vulnerable groups. Weekly progress reports will also be conducted, and prominent people will spread the word about the initiative on social media by posting powerful video clips.
Rane emphasized the significance of connecting women and child development (WCD) with health programs in a virtual meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. He pointed out that anganwadi workers (AWWs) are essential to the grassroots execution of health initiatives. Effective collaboration between WCD and health can result in long-lasting and significant solutions for enhancing public health.
Another noteworthy accomplishment is the Union Health Ministry’s 2023 endeavor to designate Usgao and Shiroda as “TB Mukt” (TB-free) panchayats in Goa. These panchayats had to collect at least 30 samples per 1,000 persons for TB testing and have less than two TB cases per 1,000 population in order to be recognized. The state’s local TB control efforts have been successful, as evidenced by this recognition.
In order to improve lung cancer detection in the state, Rane also announced a collaboration with AstraZeneca India. Since there are between 1,400 and 1,500 new instances of cancer reported each year, early detection is essential. This partnership intends to enhance lung cancer detection and diagnosis throughout district hospitals by utilizing Qure.ai’s AI-based screening technology, which will ultimately increase survival rates. These forward-thinking projects represent a step in the direction of improving Goa’s healthcare system’s accessibility, effectiveness, and sophistication.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
