PANAJI
The State government on Friday renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Novo Nordisk Education Foundation on its ‘Changing Diabetes Barometer’ programme which will now also include a module for ‘footcare awareness’ in people living with diabetes at all government healthcare centres.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who presided over the event where the MoU renewal pact was signed, said that diabetes is a major health concern in Goa with more than 26% of the population living with the disease, the highest among Indian States.
The tie-up has been instrumental in acknowledging the prevalence of diabetes in the State and for taking various measures to reduce the burden of this disease, he added.
“The public-private collaboration with NNEF will further strengthen the primary health infrastructure to counter diabetes in Goa,” Rane said.
Secretary Health, Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Director of Health Services, Dr Geeta Kakodkar; Managing Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, Vikrant Shrotriya; Goa Medical College Dean, Dr Shivanand Bandekar and Counsellor (Health), Royal Embassy of Denmark, Louise Sevel Lundstrom also attended the event.
As part of the renewed MoU, the State’s first-ever foot care clinic for people living with diabetes will be developed in addition to the continued diabetes awareness, screening and medical education and training programs for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The CDB program was launched over a decade ago in Goa aimed at creating awareness and support around diabetes care and capacity building.
