Goa Daily

  Goa’s palliative care programme has recorded significant uptake since its expansion, with government data indicating over 11,000 patient interactions to date. These interactions include home-based medical visits, pain management support, and counselling services, underscoring the programme’s growing role in addressing the needs of patients with chronic and life-limiting illnesses. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has positioned palliative care as a critical component of Goa’s healthcare system, emphasising compassionate, patient-focused services alongside curative treatment. Focus on Home-Based and Holistic Support A key feature of the expanded programme is its emphasis on home-based care , allowing patients to receive medical attention and emotional support in familiar surroundings. This approach has been particularly beneficial for patients with limited mobility and those requiring long-term care. Counselling services offered to patients and family members have also played ...

  Judicial proceedings in the December 6 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora gathered momentum on Tuesday after a Mapusa court rejected anticipatory bail applications filed by Arpora sarpanch Roshan Redkar and suspended former secretary Raghuvir Bagkar. The decision marks a significant development in the investigation into the fire incident, which has drawn widespread public attention and raised serious questions over regulatory compliance and administrative oversight. The court’s ruling underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the case, particularly in light of public safety concerns associated with commercial establishments operating in densely populated areas. Court Issues Notice on Bail Plea of Senior Executive In the same proceedings, the Mapusa court issued notice on a bail application filed on behalf of Rajib Kumar Modak, chief general manager of Romeo Lane. The application, filed by advocate Vinayak Porob, contended that Modak is a pe...

  Goa has taken a decisive step in strengthening its public health response to lung cancer by prioritising early detection and technology-enabled preventive care. Under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the state has implemented a large-scale, AI-powered lung cancer screening programme aimed at identifying health risks at an early and more treatable stage. The initiative reflects a shift from reactive treatment to proactive disease prevention within Goa’s public healthcare framework. With lung cancer remaining one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally, the emphasis on early diagnosis is critical. Goa’s approach aligns with global best practices, where timely screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. AI-Powered Screening as a Public Health Tool The lung cancer screening programme, implemented in partnership with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai, integrates artificial intelligence into diagnostic imaging to enhance accurac...

  The Assam Police have arrested a 19-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a Class 10 student and subjecting her to prolonged digital harassment, following his return from Goa. The arrest, carried out at Silchar’s Kumbirgram Airport, marks a significant development in a case that has triggered public concern over crimes against minors, misuse of technology, and the psychological impact of prolonged abuse. According to police officials, the accused, identified as Rohit Biswas, was taken into custody shortly after landing in Silchar on Tuesday morning. He had reportedly fled the state soon after the victim lodged a formal complaint at Malugram Police Station on December 15. The police said the accused had remained absconding for several days, prompting intensified surveillance and coordination across states to track his movements. Allegations of Prolonged Abuse and Coercion The survivor, a Class 10 student, alleged in her complaint that the accused repeatedly coerced her in...

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early arrival at the nets on a misty morning at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground signalled his readiness to rejoin competitive action for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The India international, who missed the first three matches due to acute gastroenteritis, underwent an extended training session away from public view. The focused preparation reflects Mumbai’s intent to maintain consistency as the tournament progresses into a decisive phase. Mumbai’s Squad Depth Strengthened by International Experience With Jaiswal now available for the next three to four matches, Mumbai’s batting order receives a significant boost. He is expected to open alongside Angkrish Raghuvanshi, providing stability and experience at the top. The return of international players has already paid dividends for Mumbai, with Rohit Sharma’s earlier appearances lifting team morale and performance levels. Team officials believe Jaiswal’s presence will have a similar influence. Team Management Emp...

In a landmark step toward inclusive and humane healthcare, Goa has implemented its first Palliative Care Policy under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane . The policy addresses a long-standing gap in the healthcare system by providing structured and accessible care for patients suffering from chronic, progressive, and terminal illnesses. Diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and other life-limiting conditions often require sustained medical attention beyond curative treatment. Recognising this need, the policy focuses on improving quality of life through pain management, psychological support, and continuous care. Integrating Palliative Care into the Public Health System A key strength of the policy lies in its integration across all levels of public healthcare. Services are being extended from tertiary hospitals to district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres. This decentralised approach ensures that patients receive timely care...

The investigation into the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6 , has entered a critical phase with multiple stakeholders being examined and legal scrutiny intensifying. The incident, one of the deadliest nightclub fires in recent years, has raised serious concerns regarding fire safety compliance, property ownership disputes, and regulatory oversight. As authorities work to establish accountability, developments over the past week indicate a widening scope of inquiry involving property ownership, operational legality, and administrative lapses. Property Owner Appears Before Anjuna Police On December 29, 2025 , Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar appeared before Anjuna police in connection with the case. Amonkar stated that he has been the owner of the property since 1994 and contested the legitimacy of the nightclub’s operations on the premises. According to Amonkar, a sale agreement executed in 2004 with businessman Surinder...