PANAJI
The 4th Annual National Conference of the Commonwealth Association for Health And Disability (COMHAD) took place at Gasper Dias, Miramar, proving to be a resounding success. Organised in collaboration with the International Purple Fest in Goa, the COMHAD Conference centred around the theme ‘Nextgen Healthcare for Empowering Individuals with Disabilities.’
The event was orchestrated by the Goa COMHAD Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Virendra Gaonkar, and the organising secretary, Dr. Priyanka Raikar, alongside organising co-chairmen Dr. Vinay Sawardekar and Dr. Arvind D’Almeida, Dr. Geetanjali Lele (Organising Joint Secretary), and Tania Rodriguez (Goa Convenor).
The conference drew participation from over 160 delegates, receiving well-wishes from Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. Both commended COMHAD for its focus on scientific programmes, aligning with the Goa government’s objectives.
Dr. Dhanlaxmi Shetty, National Secretary of COMHAD, presented the Annual Report during the conference. Two individuals with disabilities, Vibha Ajit Kanekar and Sara Dalal, were felicitated for their talent and education, with Executive Director of COMHAD, Dr Uday Bodhankar, and National President of COMHAD, Dr Usha Dave, acknowledging their remarkable achievements.
The conference also witnessed the presentation of 17 research papers by postgraduate medical students from across India, with awards for outstanding presentations. Additionally, five NGOs working towards community development and rehabilitation for special needs were felicitated for their commendable efforts.
