Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a significant step towards understanding and combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Goa’s Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, recently participated in a video conference focused on assessing the risk and epidemiology of these diseases. The discussion, which brought together experts from across the globe, highlighted the importance of identifying key risk factors and analyzing genetic and environmental influences on NCDs in both urban and rural Goa. This initiative is part of the Goa Cohort for Assessment of Risk and Epidemiology of NCDs (GOA CARE Study), a comprehensive longitudinal study designed to track the incidence, risk factors, and progression of NCDs over time.
The GOA CARE Study is a collaborative effort supported by prestigious institutions such as Tata Memorial Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Oxford University, and the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa. By leveraging expertise in epidemiology, genomics, and public health, the study aims to provide valuable insights that will inform targeted interventions and shape more effective strategies for the prevention and management of NCDs in Goa.
The video conference was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. Sarah Lewington from Oxford University, Dr. Parminder Judge, also from Oxford University, and Dr. Rajesh Dixit from the Advanced Centre in Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, TCC Mumbai. Other notable attendees included Arun Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Health; Dr. Shivanand Bandekar, Dean, Goa Medical College; Dr. Rupa Naik, Director, DHS; Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Surgical Oncologist; and Dr. Kedar Raikar, Medical Officer, NCD, along with other doctors from the Directorate of Health Services.
