Sorry to sound skeptical, but what do the medical men of Goanet think of
this? A number of health-initiatives in Goa these days have been
supply-driven (attempts at universalising Hepatitis B vaccines, thyroid
tests, knee-replacements MRI scans, HIV/AIDS approaches in treatment,
etc ... which are driven by the availability of hardware and business
interests behind them).
Am not suggesting that what follows is not required, but can't help
wondering about this. We also know that there are a number of areas
which are neglected in contemporary Goa, simply because patients can't
pay, such as malaria, anemia, malnutrition, etc
"Private-public partnerships" are often a good excuse for privatising
assets, nationalising losses and sharing spoils between politicians and
businessmen. The Konkan Railway Corporation is a good example ... while
it does serve in connecting Goa to the rest of the west coast, the
claims that it would recoup its investments, move out of the red, and be
merged into the Indian Railways network are there for all to see. This
was supposed to have happened in ten years time, and it was scheduled
for completion in 1994!
Mopa or Dabolim, huge "infrastructure" projects at taxpayer costs (often
while indebting the future generations) are an excellent means of
earning a fast buck for those in power (now or in the future). I guess
if politicians had the say, they'd like to have 20 airports for a State
of Goa's size. Never mind if not even one works properly. -- FN
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Diabetes care programme launched
*DIABETES CARE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED*
*---- MOU SIGNED WITH NNEF*
Panaji:
August 28, 2008
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the
Government and M/s. Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, Bangalore on
Diabetes Care Programme marked yet another unique scheme for taking
health care to doorsteps of the common men, in addition to Health Care
Programmes launched in the recent past.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Diabetes Care Programme was
signed today in the distinguished presence of Health Minister
Vishwajit Rane at Conference Hall at Assembly Complex, Porvorim.
Anand Prakash, Development Commissioner and Secretary Health
represented Government of Goa while Shri Melvin Oscar D'Souza, M.D., was
signatory to M/s. Novo Nordisk Education Foundation.
Dr. V. N. Jindal, Dean, GMC, Dr. Rajan Kuncolienkar, Medical
Suptd. GMC, Dr. (Smt.) Rajananda Desai, Director, Health Services,
Senior Officials of GMC, Directorate of Health Services and
Representatives of Foundation were present on the occasion.
The Health Minister, Shri Vishwajit Rane said that Diabetes is a
major Health hazard in the Country affecting young and old. Goa he said
has a alarming proportion of Diabetes patients.
The Government on its part cannot take the initiative of promoting
held care by itself and has stressed the need for private public
partnership to make programmes result oriented.
Rane said that M/s. Novo Nordisk Education Foundation would
take up screening and collect data of diabetes patients and initiate
remedial steps.
He said various measures will be introduced involving medical
practitioners, in the Government and private sectors, Anganwadi workers
among others in the drive against diabetes mobile clinics would be
launched also as steps to take the diabetes care programme to rural
areas, he added.
Rane said, Diabetes Care Programme launched in Goa was unique
in the Country. The programme will be co-ordinated by Directorate of
Health Services and Goa Medical College.
The Health Minister said the launching of the programme would be
beneficial to people in remote areas as these are ignorant of diabetes
problems and now would come to light in handling the diabetes cases.
On the occasion five juvenile diabetes patients were presented
with mementos.
--
Source: DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY. THIRD FLOOR,UDYOG
BHAVAN, NEAR AZAD MAIDAN, PANAJI GOA PHONE-0832-2422675 0832-2226047
0832-2426168 FAX 0832-2224211
