Goa Daily

Health Minister Vishwajit Prabhakar Rane has fortified Goa's emergency medical framework by expanding the Ambulance 103 service to a comprehensive fleet of 103 vehicles, incorporating specialized configurations for cardiac emergencies, neonatal transport, trauma intervention, and bike ambulances tailored for swift navigation in densely populated urban zones and remote rural locales. This strategic enhancement, underpinned by GPS-enabled real-time tracking and a perpetually operational command centre, has markedly improved coordination with healthcare facilities, resulting in the preservation of over 1.38 lakh lives across critical scenarios including vehicular accidents, acute cardiac episodes, maternal complications during childbirth, and severe medical traumas. Ambulance 103 Fleet Modernization and Specialization Rane's directive has elevated the service from a rudimentary network to a sophisticated ecosystem, with cardiac ambulances outfitted for immediate defibrillation and...

  Goa’s public healthcare system is undergoing substantial transformation under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, with significant upgrades being implemented across district hospitals to enhance service efficiency, capacity, and quality of treatment. Driven by a commitment to make advanced medical care accessible to every citizen, the initiative forms a critical part of the government’s long-term healthcare modernization roadmap. Strengthening Hospital Infrastructure and Critical Care Capacity The upgrade program includes expansion of Intensive Care Units, high-dependency wards, emergency response systems, and advanced surgical facilities. District hospitals have been equipped with modern monitoring systems, oxygen supply infrastructure, trauma stabilization units, and specialist treatment wings that previously required referral to tertiary hospitals. The installation of advanced diagnostic technologies such as digital radiology, automated laboratory systems, CT-Sca...

  Public healthcare in Goa continues to experience transformative progress under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, with a focused policy framework built around maternal and child well-being. Recognising that the foundation of a healthy society lies in protecting mothers and newborns, the government has prioritised reforms that enhance safe pregnancy care, strengthen nutrition access, expand immunisation networks, and provide reliable early childhood medical services. These reforms are aligned with the broader goal of ensuring health security and sustainable population health outcomes across the state. Strengthening Maternal Care and Safe Pregnancy Services One of the core priorities has been improving access to quality maternal care and reducing medical risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Investments in upgraded maternity units, specialist availability, emergency care readiness, and modern diagnostic support have significantly contributed to better mater...

  Minister for Health, Forests, Women & Child Development and Urban Development, Vishwajit Prabhakar Rane, today reaffirmed that the guiding principle of all his ministries remains a resolute people-first approach. In a strong statement on governance philosophy, Rane declared that every initiative is designed to strengthen communities, empower families and improve quality of life across Goa. People-First: The Core of Every Initiative Rane emphasised that every scheme and project under his portfolios is conceived with the welfare of the common citizen at its centre. “We work with the core value of a people-first approach. Whether it is healthcare, environment, women’s empowerment or urban planning, the focus is always on strengthening communities and empowering families,” the minister said. Antyodaya and Integral Humanism as Guiding Principles The minister reiterated that the principles of integral humanism and Antyodaya — ensuring the last person in the queue is served firs...

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has unveiled a transformative initiative to fortify the state's oncology landscape, announcing the construction of a dedicated world-class cancer hospital in strategic partnership with the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, targeted for operational readiness before 2027, a move that promises to alleviate the longstanding hardship faced by Goan patients who endure arduous interstate travel for advanced treatment. This facility, envisioned as a comprehensive centre of excellence, will integrate cutting-edge diagnostic, therapeutic, and palliative services under one roof, significantly reducing the physical, emotional, and financial toll on families while elevating Goa's healthcare infrastructure to national standards. Tata Memorial Collaboration: Bringing Mumbai Expertise to Goa The alliance with Tata Memorial Centre—one of India's premier cancer institutions—brings renowned oncologists, research protocols, and technological advancements to Goa...

  Goa’s Women & Child Development Minister Vishwajit Rane is spearheading a comprehensive overhaul of the state's Anganwadi system, elevating these foundational early childhood centres from basic rented or dilapidated structures to modern, permanent hubs of learning and care under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 frameworks, addressing longstanding safety and operational gaps while integrating technology to nurture the next generation. Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0: Infrastructure Upgrades for Lasting Impact Rane has prioritized transforming Anganwadis from temporary rented premises—many in unsafe, crumbling buildings—into cluster-based owned facilities, appealing to MLAs across parties to identify and donate suitable land for construction, ensuring dedicated spaces with proper ventilation, sanitation, and play areas to safeguard children's health and development. This move aligns with national Saksham guidelines for resilient infrastructure and Poshan 2.0's ...

  While Goa is famous for sun-kissed beaches and vibrant festivals, something far more powerful has been unfolding across its villages and towns in recent years: a silent yet unstoppable women’s revolution led by Minister for Women & Child Development, Vishwajit Rane . For him, Nari Shakti is not a political slogan; it is the very foundation on which a modern, inclusive and Viksit Goa is being built. A Safety Net That Never Sleeps The first promise Vishwajit Rane made was simple: no woman in Goa should ever feel alone in crisis. Today, the 24×7 Women Helpline rings constantly, and Mission Shakti One-Stop Centres (Sakhi Nirbhaya Centres) stand ready in multiple locations. A survivor of domestic violence, trafficking or harassment walks in and finds everything under one roof – police assistance, medical examination, psychological counselling, legal aid, temporary shelter and rehabilitation support. These centres have become sanctuaries of hope, handling hundreds of cases with s...

  Goa, the emerald jewel of India's coastline celebrated for its golden sands and emerald canopies, grapples with the encroaching shadows of unchecked urbanization and tourism booms that have whittled its cherished greenery, yet under Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane's stewardship, the state is forging a path to ecological redemption through the adoption of the Miyawaki afforestation technique, a pioneering Japanese approach devised by botanist Akira Miyawaki that fosters hyper-dense plantations of indigenous species to evolve into thriving, self-regulating forests within two to three decades, offering a rapid antidote to the state's escalating urban heat islands and biodiversity erosion. Unveiled in April 2025 as the cornerstone of the "Green Lungs" project, Rane's vision targets municipal landscapes for transformation, beginning with the rehabilitation of degraded zones like the Sonsoddo waste dump into verdant urban oases utilizing on-site wet waste for compo...

Since taking charge of the Women & Child Development Department in 2022, Minister Vishwajit P. Rane has led a powerful transformation of Goa’s welfare and protection landscape. His governance philosophy is rooted in empowering women as financial decision-makers and ensuring that children grow up in environments of safety, dignity, and equal opportunity. In a state balancing tourism, traditional communities, and diverse economic realities, Rane’s policies are designed not just as short-term aid mechanisms but as long-term structural reforms capable of changing social outcomes and mindsets. Building Economic Independence: Rise of Self-Help Groups A major milestone of his tenure was the formation of 700 new Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in September 2023 , establishing powerful micro-financial networks for women across rural and semi-urban communities. These SHGs enable women to access credit, build small businesses, and create cooperative economic strength that uplifts families an...

  In its October 31, 2025 edition, Forbes India has devoted a powerful multi-page cover feature to Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Prabhakar Rane, officially christening him “The Medical Man” – a rare and prestigious recognition for the leader who, since taking charge of the health portfolio in 2017, has completely rewritten what a small state can achieve in public healthcare. Born into a prominent political family on 23rd March and first elected to the Goa Assembly in 2007 as one of the youngest legislators, Rane has served under Chief Ministers Manohar Parrikar and Pramod Sawant, handling multiple departments before finding his true calling in health. What started as a portfolio assignment has turned into a personal mission that now sees him working 18-hour days, personally monitoring projects deep into the night, and pushing revolutionary ideas that larger states are struggling to replicate. From a young BJP worker to the most influential policymaker Goa has seen in decades, Rane’...

  In a pioneering move to redefine early childhood education, Goa Health Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane has rolled out a series of hands-on learning activities across the state’s network of Anganwadis. The initiative, fully aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and under the guidance of Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi, introduces children to practical life skills, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness through direct engagement with traditional practices. From Field to Plate: Understanding Rice Cultivation Children across Anganwadis participated in structured field visits and demonstrations covering the complete journey of rice from harvesting golden paddy stalks to the final milling process that produces the staple grain. Facilitated by local farmers and Anganwadi workers, these sessions demystified agricultural cycles, highlighted the importance of food security, and instilled respect for labour-intensive tr...

The Goa Model of Healthcare, envisioned and implemented under the leadership of Vishwajit Rane , has emerged as a transformative approach to health governance, prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and preventive care over reactive treatment. This forward-looking model places citizens at the heart of the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that medical services reach every household from coastal villages to remote hinterlands through a robust network of health centers, digital integration, and preventive health programs. From Cure to Prevention: A Paradigm Shift Traditionally, public health systems in India have been structured around a cure-based approach , focusing on disease management rather than prevention. The Goa Model seeks to reverse that trend. Under Vishwajit Rane’s guidance, the state has launched targeted initiatives encouraging routine health checkups, screening camps, and awareness drives . This preventive orientation not only helps in early detection of diseases like ...

In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of Viksit Bharat , Vishwajit Rane has emerged as one of Goa’s most dynamic leaders dedicated to building a Viksit Sattari , a model of sustainable and people-focused governance. His leadership is rooted in the principles of Seva , Sushasan , and Garib Kalyan , ensuring that every citizen benefits from progress. Empowering Communities through Grassroots Engagement Vishwajit Rane’s leadership is defined by his consistent engagement with people at the grassroots level. Whether it’s health services, education, or infrastructure, his focus remains on ensuring that every initiative translates into real impact. By prioritizing last-mile delivery, he is ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach every Goan household. Inclusive Growth for All Rane’s developmental model emphasizes inclusivity. His initiatives in rural health, women’s empowerment, and skill development have opened up new opportunities for the underprivileged....

 Recognising that mental health is as vital as physical well-being, Vishwajit Rane , Minister for Health in Goa, has been championing a statewide effort to make mental health care accessible to every citizen. Through the Tele MANAS initiative , Goa has become one of India’s first states to ensure free, round-the-clock tele-counselling and emotional support for those in distress. Tele MANAS: Bringing Help Closer to Every Goan The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) project aims to provide real-time, confidential mental health counselling through phone and online support. Under Rane’s leadership, Goa’s implementation ensures that even individuals in remote areas have access to professional guidance without stigma or delay. Helplines are managed by trained counsellors and psychologists who respond with empathy, confidentiality, and expert care offering a lifeline to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Empathy ...

 Goa has continued to demonstrate strong public health performance in routine child immunisation under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane . According to official data, more than 1.5 lakh children are vaccinated every year across the state, supported by widespread health infrastructure, trained medical teams, and digital monitoring systems. Expanding Coverage Across All Regions The programme operates through over 6,000 sessions annually, ensuring that vaccination access reaches urban areas, remote villages, anganwadi centres and government hospitals. Health officials report that routine immunisation sessions are conducted consistently throughout the year to prevent delays or missed doses. Strong Cold Chain and Medical Workforce Goa’s immunisation network includes: 42 Cold Chain Points 325 Trained Vaccinators Statewide monitoring by health officials These systems ensure that vaccines are handled under required temperature conditions and distributed safel...

Goa’s healthcare system has taken a decisive step forward with the expansion of AI-driven lung cancer screening across the state. Led by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the initiative aims to ensure that citizens receive timely detection, medical guidance, and treatment support without financial barriers. The project, developed in partnership with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai, has already completed more than 92,000 free screenings, emerging as one of India’s most wide-reaching technology-enabled health interventions. Early Detection Through Artificial Intelligence Lung cancer remains one of the most challenging medical conditions to diagnose early, primarily due to asymptomatic cases and late clinical identification. By introducing AI into the screening process, the Health Department has ensured faster interpretation of chest scans with improved accuracy. The technology flags suspected abnormalities, allowing medical teams to follow up with diagnostic testing and treatment at the earliest ...

During a recent interaction with residents of Sattari, Vishwajit Rane expressed that the bond he shares with the people of the region remains one of the strongest motivations behind his public responsibilities. He said that every visit reinforces his determination to focus on development, governance, and improved services that directly benefit local communities. Connection with the Community Rane referred to Sattari not just as a constituency but as a close-knit community that stands at the heart of his political and administrative priorities. He added that spending time with the people provides direct insights into challenges, expectations, and areas requiring urgent intervention — from healthcare access to infrastructure strengthening. Focus on Public Welfare and Services The discussions highlighted the need to enhance systems that affect daily life — including primary health facilities, road connectivity, education infrastructure, and employment opportunities. Rane said that future ...

 Inspired by the principle, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas,” Vishwajit Rane has emphasized a development framework where Goa’s progress remains equitable, transparent, and focused on citizens. His approach places clear importance on strengthening public services, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, ensuring every community benefits from growth rather than only select regions or sectors. The vision aligns with the nation’s larger goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning Goa as a model state in governance, service delivery, and human development. Inclusive Growth and People-Centric Governance For a Viksit Goa, Rane stresses the need for development that reaches every household. The model focuses on efficient public services, stronger accountability, and timely delivery of welfare schemes. Instead of only showcasing large-scale projects, the plan emphasizes strengthening basic needs such as healthcare, clean water access, village in...

 Public health and consumer safety have received a renewed push in Goa, with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane directing a major food safety enforcement drive across multiple locations. The operation was conducted by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), which has strengthened monitoring in recent months to prevent adulteration, unhygienic practices, and misbranding in the food supply chain. Surveillance Operation Exposes Illegal Milk Product Supply The first operation began late at night, after surveillance teams identified a suspicious supplier transporting milk products without proper labeling. At around 1:30 AM, officials intercepted a vehicle entering Goa at Patradevi. Inside, they found nearly 700 kg of paneer and other dairy products without mandatory labeling or traceability details a serious violation considering these items directly reach restaurants and public consumption outlets. Preliminary inspection also revealed tampering with manufacturing dates, a common method...