PANAJI: 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.
Calling it a major step in expanding specialised healthcare in the public sector, Sawant said the treatment will now be available free of cost to patients from across Goa.
"This laser treatment for varicose veins was not available in any government hospital till now. For the first time, we are starting this service at the Bicholim Community Health Centre. Even Goa Medical College does not currently offer this facility free of cost, but it is now available here," the Chief Minister said.
He announced that a dedicated OPD for varicose vein patients will be held every Thursday under vascular surgeon Dr Rajaram Mahambrey, while follow-up consultations will be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays. Laser procedures will be carried out every Tuesday in the operation theatre.
Sawant explained that the new minimally invasive laser procedure replaces conventional surgery, requiring only a needle puncture instead of opening the leg.
"Earlier, patients had to undergo surgery and remain admitted for four days, followed by prolonged recovery. Now, the laser procedure takes only a few hours, and patients can return home the same day after four to eight hours of observation," he said.
Highlighting the financial relief for patients, Sawant said many people suffering from varicose veins avoided treatment because they could not afford private healthcare.
"If someone goes to a private hospital, treatment for even a single vein can cost around Rs 80,000. Many common people simply cannot afford it, and if left untreated, the condition can lead to severe swelling, difficulty in walking, gangrene and even amputation in advanced cases," he said.
The Chief Minister said the facility was introduced after Dr Mahambrey proposed the initiative, following which the 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 open to all residents of Goa and not limited to Bicholim or neighbouring constituencies.
"From Pernem to Canacona, anyone suffering from varicose veins and unable to afford private treatment can come to Bicholim and undergo the procedure free of cost," Sawant said.
He urged patients to book appointments in advance to ensure smooth management of the OPD.
"I request people not to crowd the hospital all at once. Patients should register between Monday and Wednesday and take fixed appointments so they can be attended to efficiently," he added.
During his address, Sawant also highlighted the government's efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare services across Goa.
He said the Sanquelim Community Health Centre has already completed nearly 1,000 cataract surgeries after establishing a dedicated ophthalmic operation theatre at a cost of Rs 2 crore, while the Valpoi Community Health Centre has been strengthened with specialised gynaecology services.
"Our aim is to develop specialised services at different Community Health Centres so people do not have to travel long distances for treatment," he said.
Sawant also urged people to make greater use of the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, stating that health insurance coverage has been enhanced to Rs 4 lakh for families of up to four members and Rs 6 lakh for larger families.
"The government spends more than Rs 70 crore annually towards treatment under this scheme in empanelled private hospitals. We are also working to include more hospitals under the PM Relief Fund for critical treatments such as kidney and liver transplants," he said.
Emphasising preventive healthcare, the Chief Minister encouraged people to adopt healthier lifestyles and make use of wellness clinics, AYUSH doctors and regular health check-ups.
"Health is wealth. While we are expanding healthcare infrastructure, people must also take responsibility for their own health through regular yoga, fitness and preventive health check-ups. This will reduce the burden of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, strokes and heart ailments," Sawant said.
