Medical services in Goa setting an example towards achieving India’s G20 priorities under Health track
Ahead of the second G20 Health Working Group Meeting scheduled to take place in Goa from April 17-19, 2023, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa, organised an exclusive tour of the Primary Health Care Centre in Aldona.
ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)-Goa project was launched by the Government of Goa in collaboration with Tricog Health Services, Bengaluru with an aim to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by adopting advanced health practices and modern technology.
STEMI is a type of heart attack that happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Under the project, a hub and spoke model has been put in place where any tertiary care hospital with Cath lab facilities acts as a hub while public health facilities identified under the STEMI Project to stabilise the patient before referral are spokes. Every spoke is equipped with a Tricog ECG machine linked to a Tele-ECG facility and CardioNet App which connects the data to a team of cardiologists in Bengaluru. This ensures that ECG reports are generated in under 5 minutes. The project also has for provisions for a cardiac ambulance, for patient referral from spoke to the HUB if required, with live tracking of patient transfer enabled.
With this model average time for treatment of a heart attack patient is reduced and brought closer to the ‘golden hour’ of 90 minutes, saving countless lives. The project was initially started with one government Hub and 12 existing peripheral government hospitals being the spokes, and has now expanded to 4 Hubs and 20 spokes.
The immunisation program implemented by the state government was also showcased, at the Moira Sub Centre of the Aldona PHC. The system is an excellent example of a well-organised and effective use of technology to ensure that every child is immunised in a timely. Under the model, following the birth of a baby, digital and print records are maintained to keep track of their immunisation schedule. The parents of the child are reminded of the upcoming doses through phone calls. If the parents are out of town, they are advised to visit the nearest health center to receive the vaccine or are given the dose on their arrival at the health center.
Dr Mangesh, Health Officer, UNICEF highlighted the importance of immunisation services by noting how they act as a bridge in connecting health facilities and communities. He added that immunisation outreach activities can contribute to strengthening Primary Health Care services even in rural villages and urban slums that face barriers in accessing health care services. He stated that UNICEF supports the Government of India’s immunisation programs, in reaching missed/drop-out children toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and accelerating Sustainable Development Goals focused on Health.
Health Secretary, Government of Goa, Arun Mishra stated that Goa was moving from strength to strength in modernisation of health services. He added that he expects the entire population of the state to be covered under Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts by July, this year. He further stated that the high utilisation of telemedicine services in Goa establishes that the state has an efficient model of digital health services in place.
India’s G20 Presidency has identified three priorities in the Health track, namely Health emergencies prevention and preparedness; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and Digital health innovation & solutions. The media tour has helped demonstrate how medical services in Goa are setting an example towards achieving India’s G20 priorities under Health track.
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