Goa’s Final Battle with Malaria: How Minister Vishwajit Rane is Leading the Way to a Healthier State

It’s not every day you hear about a state gearing up to completely eliminate a disease. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Goa.

Under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Goa has officially entered the malaria elimination phase, with an ambitious target to be completely malaria-free by 2025–26. And honestly, it’s inspiring to see how a small state is taking such big, bold steps in public health.

Changing the Rules at the Ground Level

One of the most impressive things about this campaign is how focused it is on prevention — especially in places where malaria typically spreads fast, like construction sites.

The government has made it mandatory for all construction workers to have health cards before they’re hired. This means they get screened for diseases (like malaria) upfront, which not only helps protect the workers but also stops the spread at its root.

They’ve also made sure these sites follow strict sanitation rules — no more stagnant water, regular fogging, and surprise inspections to keep things in check. It’s a tough-love approach, but it’s working.

Mega Health Camps That Save Lives

Goa has also been holding massive health camps across the state. These aren’t just check-up drives — they’re life-saving events.

In one such drive, over 13,000 people were screened, and believe it or not, they actually caught and treated five people having heart attacks. Imagine that — lives literally saved because of a community health event.

These camps also include free malaria testing, especially in rural and high-risk areas, helping reach people who might not otherwise get tested.

The Results Are Speaking for Themselves

Here’s what’s amazing:

• Just a decade ago, Goa had over 1,000 malaria cases a year

• Now? The number of local (indigenous) cases is down to under 50

• And if things go as planned, Goa could be certified malaria-free by 2026

This isn’t just a win for Goa. It could be a blueprint for other Indian states to follow.

So, What’s Next?

Getting rid of malaria is one thing. Making sure it doesn’t come back? That’s the next big challenge.

Minister Rane’s team is already planning ahead — from real-time mosquito tracking tools to rapid response teams and even school programs to teach kids about malaria prevention.

It’s all about keeping up the momentum.