Daijiworld Media Network - Bicholim
Bicholim, Jul 30: The Bicholim Sub-District Hospital has become the first government hospital in Goa to offer free laser treatment for varicose veins, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurating the specialised service on Thursday.
Describing the initiative as a major step towards expanding specialised healthcare in the public sector, Sawant said patients from across Goa can now avail themselves of the advanced treatment free of cost.
He said the laser treatment for varicose veins had not been available at any government hospital in the state until now. The facility has been introduced at the Bicholim Community Health Centre and is being offered free of charge, unlike in many private hospitals.
The Chief Minister announced that a dedicated outpatient department (OPD) for varicose vein patients will function every Thursday under vascular surgeon Dr Rajaram Mahambrey. Follow-up consultations will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, while laser procedures will be performed every Tuesday.
Explaining the benefits of the new procedure, Sawant said the minimally invasive laser treatment replaces conventional surgery and requires only a needle puncture instead of opening the leg. Patients can return home on the same day after four to eight hours of observation, compared to the prolonged hospital stay and recovery associated with traditional surgery.
Highlighting the financial burden faced by patients, he said treatment for a single vein at a private hospital could cost around Rs 80,000, making it unaffordable for many. Untreated varicose veins can lead to severe swelling, difficulty in walking, gangrene and even amputation in advanced cases, he added.
Sawant said the initiative was launched after Dr Mahambrey proposed the project, following which the state government, in coordination with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and the Health Department, procured the required laser equipment and revived the operation theatre.
He clarified that the service is available to all residents of Goa, irrespective of their district, and urged patients to register between Monday and Wednesday to secure appointments and ensure smooth OPD management.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare across the state. He said the Sanquelim Community Health Centre has completed nearly 1,000 cataract surgeries after establishing a dedicated ophthalmic operation theatre, while the Valpoi Community Health Centre has been strengthened with specialised gynaecology services.
Sawant further encouraged people to make greater use of the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, under which health insurance coverage has been increased to Rs 4 lakh for families of up to four members and Rs 6 lakh for larger families. He added that the government is also working to expand access to hospitals under the PM Relief Fund for critical treatments, including kidney and liver transplants.
Stressing the importance of preventive healthcare, Sawant urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular exercise, yoga and routine health check-ups to reduce the incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, strokes and heart ailments.