Team Goemkarponn
Bambolim: Reinforcing its commitment to strengthening mental healthcare at the grassroots, Goa has become the first State in the country to successfully scale up depression care services across all Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) under the IMPRESS Programme.
The milestone was marked at the State-Level Mental Health & Well-being Event organised in association with the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Goa and Sangath at Goa Medical College & Hospital (GMC), Bambolim.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, addressing the gathering, said the Government remains steadfast in its mission to make mental healthcare accessible, community-based and stigma-free.
“Strengthening mental healthcare at the grassroots remains a top priority for our Government. Goa continues to lead with action and commitment. Becoming the first State to scale up depression care services through the IMPRESS Programme across all Primary Health Care Centres reflects our resolve to build a robust, integrated and compassionate mental health ecosystem,” Rane said.
He further stated, “This is not just an initiative — it is a commitment to building a more compassionate, resilient and healthier Goa. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and we are working to ensure that quality mental healthcare reaches even the rural-most areas of our State.”
The programme is supported by a comprehensive referral system linking Tele-MANAS, the District Mental Health Programme, and the Institute of Psychiatry & Human Behaviour (IPHB), ensuring continuity of care from primary to specialised levels.
The event witnessed the participation of over 90 counsellors and peer supervisors who are delivering structured, evidence-based depression care across the State. The Minister expressed gratitude for their dedication and tireless service at the grassroots level. The gathering also featured individuals who shared their personal journeys of overcoming depression, highlighting the importance of awareness and timely intervention.
Rane also acknowledged the leadership and collaborative efforts of Dr. Rupa Naik, Director, Directorate of Health Services, Goa; Dr. Sandesh Madkaikar, Chief Medical Officer (NCDC), DHS; Dr. R. Jai Prakash Tiwari, Dean, GMC; Dr. Rajesh Patil, Medical Superintendent, GMC; Dr. Marie Connie D’souza, Head of Department, IPHB; Prof. Vikram Patel, Co-founder, Sangath; and Prof. Abhijit Nadkarni, Principal Investigator, IMPRESS Programme, Sangath.
The Government reiterated its commitment to expanding outreach, strengthening community support systems, supporting counsellors and volunteers, and institutionalising partnerships to ensure sustainable and inclusive mental healthcare delivery across Goa.
