Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a significant move to strengthen public healthcare in Goa, the state government has launched Project Parivartan, a four-year initiative aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) across 41 government-run health facilities.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the Government of Goa, Pfizer through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, and Americares India Foundation. It is being implemented by the Goa Medical Collegeand the Directorate of Health Services, with a focus on building a resilient healthcare system through evidence-based infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
Launched on 27th November 2024 by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Project Parivartan is already underway, with a team of 19 professionals onboarded, trained, and actively engaged in groundwork. Baseline assessments have commenced across Directorate of Health Services facilities and will soon begin in Goa Medical College. The initiative has received ethical clearances from the State and Institutional Ethical Committees.
“The Government of Goa is committed to strengthening policies to combat AMR and reduce hospital-acquired infections. Project Parivartan will help drive safer healthcare practices, improving patient outcomes and public health,” said Health Minister Rane.
A Public Health Crisis
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to global and national health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is one of the leading public health threats worldwide. In India, overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to rising cases of drug-resistant infections, particularly in intensive care units.
A 2021 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed alarming mortality rates from drug-resistant bloodstream infections (38.1%) and urinary tract infections (27.9%) across 120 ICUs in the country.
### Objectives and Key Activities
Project Parivartan seeks to establish a robust framework for Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)* in Goa. Key activities include:
* Implementing a state-wide AMS program
* Strengthening IPC practices in all government health facilities
* Conducting baseline assessments to map the AMR landscape in Goa
* Creating surveillance tools to track antibiotic resistance trends
* Training healthcare professionals in AMS and IPC protocols
* Promoting rational antibiotic prescribing and improved patient safety
The project is expected to yield measurable outcomes such as reduced AMR prevalence, fewer adverse drug reactions, shortened hospital stays, lower healthcare costs, and better overall patient outcomes.
“**Project Parivartan reflects our strong commitment to addressing global health challenges,” said Meenakshi Nevatia, Managing Director, Pfizer India. “We thank the Government of Goa for its dedication and hope this initiative becomes a model for infection prevention and patient care.”
V.S. Chandrashekar Country Director of Americares India Foundation, added, “Project Parivartan aligns with our mission to build sustainable healthcare systems. Our partnership with the Directorate of Health Services lays a solid foundation to bring about lasting change.”
With Project Parivartan in motion, Goa is taking a critical step toward safeguarding public health and ensuring antibiotics remain effective for future generations.
