1. Press Conference on 8th April 2017
The Goa Cancer Society in association with Indian Medical Association-Goa State organized a press conference on 8th April 2017 at their new office premise at EDCON INCROCIO, near Don Bosco main School Gate, Panaji.
The dignitaries present were Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi,Professor and Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Dr. Suresh Shetye, Vice-President, Goa Cancer Society, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Jt. Secretary, Goa Cancer Society and Head of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula, Dr. Damodar Bhounsule, Secretary, Goa Cancer Society, Mr. Gangaram Morajkar, Managing Committee Member, Goa Cancer Society, Dr. Medha Salkar-President, IMA Goa State, Dr. Kalpana Chodankar, Secretary, IMA Goa State, Dr. Kartavi Mashelkar, Treasurer, IMA Goa State.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar also informed the press that a CME is organized with IMA-CQS on the topic “Treatment of Smoking induced Cancer of Head & Neck” by Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, MBBS, MS, FAIS, FICS, Professor and Head & Neck surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi said that the Goa Cancer Society and Dr. Sharad Vaidya had an impact on his childhood. Goa cancer Society is a noble organization and Dr. Sharad Vaidya has contributed immensely towards the Society creating awareness against Cancer. He advised that the Society should join hands with the Government and Indian Medical Association so that projects are implemented effectively. He also said that Prime Minister to make mandatory the screening of Cervical, Breast and lung Cancer in all the states as it is comparatively easier.
2. STATE LEVEL CME on 9th April 2017
The Goa Cancer Society in association with IMA-CQS,IMA Goa State and Gokarma Oncological Trust organized a state level CME on the topic “Treatment of Smoking induced Cancer of Head & Neck” on 9th April 2017 at Hotel Fidalgo, Panaji.
Total 90 delegates attended the CME,Registration started at 9 am followed by refreshments. The inaugural function started at 10 am, the Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Medha Salkar, President, IMA Goa State and guest of honor was Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Professor and Head & Neck Surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and special invitees were Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Head of Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula who also happens to be Jt. Secretary of Goa Cancer Society, Managing Committee members of Goa Cancer Society Dr. Mahesh Naik and Mr. Gangaram Morajkar, members of IMA Goa State, Dr. Kalpana Chodankar, Secretary.
The function began with the lighting of lamp, Dr. Uday Kakodkar, President of IMA CQS welcomed the gathering. Chief guest Dr. Medha Salkar and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi spoke on the present prevalence of Cancer which was followed by vote of thanks by Dr. Pradhnya Kakodkar.
After the inaugural function the CME was conducted by Dr. Shekhar Salkar and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi where they spoke about the present statistics of cancer in India and other developed countries and modern methods of cancer treatment respectively. The CME ended with a fruitful interaction with the audience. Dr. Surendra Vernekar was the master of the ceremony.
3. Cancer Detection Camp at Priol 13/08/17
The Goa Cancer Society, in association with IMA Ponda Charitable Trust and Narishakti, Ponda successfully organized a Cancer Detection Camp on 13/08/17 at Swastik Vidyalaya Premises from 9.00 to 1.00 pm. The inaugural function for the camp was attended by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Jt. Secretary, The Goa Cancer Society& Chief of Clinical Services, Manipal Hospital, Dr. Medha Salkar, President, IMA Goa State, Dr. Purnima Usgaonkar, State Coordinator For Aao Gao Chalen Abhiyan, Dr. Vallabh Dhaimodkar, Secretary, IMA Ponda Charitable Trust, Mrs. Anita Kavalekar, Sarpanch and other Panch members of Priol Panchayat, Sangeeta Chawan, Administrative Officer, Goa Cancer Society, Headmaster of the school and others. After floral welcome of the guests and attending Doctors, the camp was inaugurated by traditional lamp lighting. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Dr. Medha Salkar, Mrs. Anita Kavalekar, Dr. Vallabh, Dhaimodkar the headmaster Shri. Amshekar and the Sarpanch addressed the gathering.
The doctors who participated were, General Physicians – Dr. Lalana Bakhale, Dr. Ajay Pednekar, Dr. Sandeep Naik, Surgeons – Dr. Rajan Priolkar, Dr. Pranav Nagarsekar, OBG Consultants – Dr. Rewa Dubashi, Dr. Poorva Sahakari ENT surgeon-Dr. Swayamsidha Andhale Nagarshekar, Orthodontic surgeons – Dr. Raghunnadan, Dr. Siddesh Shenoy. Total of 73 members from the local area were examined.
4. Cancer Detection Camp at Colva 10th Sept 2017
The GOA CANCER SOCIETY in association with IMA Margao Branch and Junior Chamber International, Colva organised a free Breast Cancer Detection Camp on Sunday, 10th Sept 2017 at Infant Jesus High School’s Premises, Colva from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.
Goa Cancer Society, IMA Margao and JCI Colva President with all the past presidents and JCI members put in the efforts to make this project a successful one. An inaugural was done by JCI President Mr. Salazer Fernandez, Chief guest for the camp was past National President Junior Chamber International’s senator Anthony Noronhna, the project manager of JCI Ms.Betty Fernandez and Administrative Officer of Goa Cancer Society Mrs. Sangeeta Chawan with many participants of JCI.
An informative talk on breast cancer and tips of how to detect breast cancer was given in the house by Dr. Suraj Prabhudesai, President of IMA, Margoa Branch followed by few words said by Mrs. Sangeeta Chawan about how the Society provides financial assistance to cancer patients and other cancer related projects and programs in Goa. Cheif guest Anthony Noronhna thanked Goa Cancer Society for organising cancer detection camps, talks, screening and financing research in cancer. Vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Betty Fernandez. Registration, blood, sugar test and physical breast checkup was done by the team of doctors.
Camp started at 9.30am and ended at 12.30 pm, few participants were provided transport from other villages, refreshments we’re provided to all the participants, doctors and members.
Doctors Team for the checkup consisted of Dr. Suraj Prabhudesai-Surgeon, Dr. Shilpa-Surgeon, Dr. Neelam-Gyneac, Dr. Steffany-MBBS, and Dr. Prajwal-MBBS.
The villagers, participants, priest appreciated this noble initiative. In all 73 women were examined from Colva and nearby villages, where 3 cases were found to be doubtful and were sent for further investigation.
5. XXIX GIMACOM -14th & 15th Oct. 2017
The Society partly sponsored the state level event of IMA, Goa i.e XXIX GIMACON 2017 hosted by IMA, Bicholim Branch on 14th & 15th Oct 2017
Our stall was installed at the entrance of the venue showcasing our services and achievements. Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function.
The organising committee was represented by Dr. Shekhar Salkar-President of the organising Committee, Dr. Medha Salkar-IMA Goa State President, Chairman Organising, Dr. Sandesh Chodankar-Secretary Organising Committee.
On the first day the talks were by Dr. Shekhar Salkar on the topic “Individualising treatment options in advanced ER positive Breast cancer, Dr. Jacob George on the topic “Targeted therapies for advanced Non small cell lung cancer-current development along with Hands on training on recent technologies oration in the evening included Dr. Deepak Dubey Mc H, FRCS(Urology) on the topic “My journey with the living kidney donor” and Dr. Putumbekar Prof Onco Surgeon and Robotic Surgeon, Medical Director Galaxy Care, Laproscopy Institute, Pune.
On second day the guest lectures were by Dr. Kumar Prabhash ,Medical Oncologist-Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai on the topic “Newer targeted therapies in Lung Cancer”.
Dr. Raj Palanippan, Laproscopic Bariatric Surgeon, Institute of Bariatric Apollo Hospital, Chennai on the topic “Bariatric Surgery”.
Dr. Vikas Agarwal, Director Speciality ENT Hospital, Mumbai on the topic “Management of Sleep apnea. Dr. Sadanand Shetty, CMD, Sadanand Shetty Living Centre Ltd Mumbai, on the topic “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly”.
6. 4th Annual Lecture of the Goa Cancer Society. 24/11/17
The 4th Annual Lecture of the Goa Cancer Society was organised on Friday, 24thNov 2017 at the AC Auditorium, Library Building, Goa medical College & Hospital, Bambolim, Goa at 3.00 pm on the topic “What is new is Head & Neck cancer Management” by Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz, MS, DNB,FRCS(Hon), Director at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, the Jt. Secretary then gave a brief introduction of the programs conducted by the Society i.e. Financial Assistance to cancer patients, Awareness lectures, Cancer detection camps, Cancer Screening, Collaboration with DILASA – centre for terminally ill at Ponda and lastly sponsorship of Cancer Research projects. The Jt. Secretary then appealed all the doctors present in the auditorium that they should come forward for cancer research projects as Society will be happy to finance the one.
The dignitaries on the dais included Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz, guest speaker, Dr. Suresh Shetye, Vice-President of the Society and Dr. Dilip Amonkar, General Surgeon of the Goa Medical College & Hospital, Bambolim. The programme was then inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
The other dignitaries present at the lecture were the Managing Committee members of the Goa Cancer Society i.e. Dr. Damodar Bhounsule, Hony. Secretary, Shri Gangaram Morajkar, Prof. G.G.Bakhale, Dr. Mahesh Naik and Dr. Manjusha Jindal, Associate Professor of OBG Dept, Goa Medical College & Hospital, Bambolim.
Dr. Dilip Amonkar among the dignitaries on the dias said that he felt nostalgic and could vividly remember how Dr. Sharad Vaidya ,one of finest surgeons of Goa in 1980’s of the Goa Cancer Society conducted immense cancer awareness programs and how actively Dr. Damodar Bhounsule, Hony. Secretary of the Society assisted him. Dr. Dilip Amonkar appreciated the Managing Committee of the Goa Cancer Society for conducting charitable cancer related activities since many decades for the people of Goa.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar then introduced the guest and requested Dr. Anil K.D’Cruz to deliver the lecture and educate in detail on the topic.
Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz delivered a informative lecture on Head & Neck cancer management through a PowerPoint Presentation, he gave a brief description of Tata Memorial Hospital and their upcoming projects.
He said as the population of India ages we will have more and more cases of Head & Neck cancer because of tobacco, 1/3 rd of incidence occur in India. If we use the technique driven methods there is no appreciable change in survival and outcome. At best it improves quality of life and decrease morbidity .
Newer imaging techniques are abused. many times PET Scan is done where it is not required. He stressed on higher taxations on tobacco products as the usage rate falls eventually and further urged the Goa Cancer Society to work on it and put pressure on the Govt.
In India 11% usage in cigarette has reduced because of higher taxation whereas the bidi and pan masala are very cheap and easily available and that is reason for higher incidence of Head & Neck in India. He gave statistics on innovative approach and metronomic chemotherapy.
After the lecture there was a question answer session for the audience, many thoughtful questions came which were answered by Dr. Shekhar Salkar and Dr. Anil D’cruz.
Dr. Anil D’Cruz appealed the students to do more and more Research activities and avail the Research Grant of Goa Cancer Society which is 5 Lakhs per year.
Dr. Anil D’Cruz the guest was then felicitated with a silver plaque by the Vice – Presisent of the Society, Dr. Suresh Shetye.
The lecture ended with a hearty vote of thanks by Dr. Shekhar Salkar.
7. Press Conference on 24/11/17 with Dr. Anil D’Cruz
After successful completion of 4th Annual lecture program at GMC, Bambolim, a press conference was held at new office premises of GCS at EDCON INCROCIO, Panaji
Dr.Anil D’Cruz in the press conference said tobacco and alcohol are the major causes of cancer in India,around 40-50 percent of all cancers are caused by tobacco. One third of all cancers are head and neck and 90 percent of them are caused because of tobacco.
There was a good interactive session of reporters and Dr. Anil D’Cruz. Teaa and refreshments were served, media houses such as Navhind, Gomantak, Times of India, Lokmat etc covered this press conference.
8. Report of Cancer Breast Screening Camp
Govt. Primary School, Collem Goa on 28/01/18
A mega medical camp for screening of breast malignancy was conducted on 28th January 2018 at Govt. Primary School which was attended by 117 ladies. The camp was held under the banner of Goa Cancer Society in collaboration with IMA CQS Branch Curchorem along with Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan. The camp was inaugurated in the hands of MLA Shri. Deepak Pausakar , ZP Member Shri. Govind Gaonkar, Oncosurgeon Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President IMA CQS Dr. Vinayak Buvaji, Dr. Uday Kakodkar, Dr. Seema Diwani along with President of Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan Smt. Mrs. Nisha Shigaonkar. Sarpanch Gangaram Lambor Collem was also present for the camp. Over 117 ladies were screened at the camp by Senior IMA CQS Member Dr. Seema Diwani assisted by Dr. Siddhi Gaunekar, Dr. Lavita Gonsalves and Smt. Shilpa Adapaikar.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar in his address elaborated in a very simple way the early diagnosis and management of Ca Breast in the female gender and how to prevent morbidity at personal and social level. He also briefed about the dietary factor and daily routine body activities to remain away from the cancer of breast. MLA Shri. Deepak Pauskar in his address stressed upon the health care at personal level and briefed about the facilities provided for health check ups. Dr. Vinayak Buvaji IMA CQS President explained the intentions to carry out such medical activities at ground root level to screen and refer suspected cases for further management.
Miss. Tanvi Kerkar, Smt. Neelam Naresh Kerkar, Smt. Neha Kalekar, Miss. Snehalata Naik, Smt. Mangala Shinde, Smt. Sunita Gaonkar assisted to conduct the camp in a organized way. Dr. Medha Salkar Past President IMA Goa State and IMA CQS Secretary Dr. Rahul velip attended the camp.
9. Report on Cancer Detection Camp ,Dabolim Airport on 16/02/18
Womens Wellness Camp which was held by Manipal Hospitals Goa in association with Goa Cancer Society at Dabolim Airport Goa to create an awareness.
The camp was inaugurated by Mrs.Anjali Mohapatra – President of Kalyanmayee in the presence of Chairman Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Mr. Negi Director Goa International Airport Dabolim, and other dignitaries. The inaugural event was an all women’s event and Dr. Shubha Jyothi joined the all women’s group to light the traditional lamp along with the President of Kalyanmayee. Important people who visited the camp were Senior AAI Officials and Dy Commandant CISF Dabolim Airport.
Over 204 patients were screened at the camp.
10. Report on Cancer Detection Camp on 17/02/18 at Manoshanti Hotel,Panaji
Dr. Shekhar Salkar has initiated an IBreast Camp with the BJP Panaji Unit for holding a Ibreast camp at Panaji on 17/02/2018, at which camp promoted the Special cancer Screening package of which Goa Cancer Society is a partner.
Inauguration was done at the hands of Shri Siddharth Kuncalienker – Chairman EDC/ Pundalik Raut Dessai- Corporator – Panaji Municipal Corporation/ Regional
Municipal Corporation/ Regional Head – Shri. Murali Sir/ Regional Sales and Marketing Head – Shri. Soma sheka, Mr. Gangaram Morajkar, Managing Committee Member of Goa cancer Society and President of the Mahalaxmi Trust
Over 71 ladies were screened at the camp.
Manipal Hospitals Goa conducted a Health Talk by Dr. Shekhar Salkar HOD Oncology Dep’t, Dr. Shekhar Salkar- Head of Oncology Dep’t at Manipal Hospitals Goa spoke on some of the Cancers that most often effect women, the rising trend of Cancer in Goa among women, the need to identify these cancers and the steps needed to be taken to prevent them or identify them at the early stage to save precious lives and defeat Cancer
Consultancies were by Dr. Shubha Jyothi, General Screening by RMO’s and Ibreast Screening by Trained Staff of Manipal Hospitals Goa.
11. Cancer Screening Program in association with Manipal Hospitals, Goa 04/02/18
With an aim to educate people on timely medical intervention to detect cancer ,Goa Cancer Society and Manipal Hospital launched “I can” campaign which includes special cancer screening package. Dr. Suresh Shetye – Vice President were chief guest of the inaugural function.
The special cancer services to both men & women was made exclusively for the age group between 40 yrs to 60 yrs of age priced at Rs.1449/- inclusive CEA, CA 15, CA 19.9, PAP Smear, Mammography, ultrasound of pelvic and abdomen CXR, CBC, stool for occult blood, oncology consultations and gynaecology consultations.
For men the special cancer detection package for the age group of 50 years and above for Rs.999/- inclusive of CEA, Ca 19.9, PSA, Ultrasound of pelvis and abdomen, CXR, CBC, stool for occult blood and oncology consultation.
The package remained open for the month of Feb and March 2018.
Total 301 patients availed these package which included 205 Women and 96 Men.
12. Report on Womens Day 8.3.18
To commemorate the “International Women’s Day 2018”, Manipal Hospitals Goa in association with Goa Cancer society, held Health Talks for the Goa Police Women Force which was attended by around 170 women police.
The program was inaugurated by Dr. Muktesh Chander [IPS]-Director General of Goa Police who was the Chief Guest for the function, in the presence of Shri.Jaspal Singh[IPS]-Inspector General of Goa Police [ Guest of Honour], Smt. Suman Goel [IPS] Senior Supt of Goa Police and Smt. Chandan Choudhary[ IPS] Supt of Goa Police. Also present were other senior police officers including SP-Shri Arvind Gawas [IPS], SP-Shri Vishram U. Borkar [GPS], SP-Shri Umesh Y. N. Gaonkar [GPS], DYSP Smt. Maria Monseratte, DYSP- Shri Kiran Poduval, DYSP Shri. Mahesh Gaonkar, DYSP Shri. Lawrence D’Souza, DYSP Shri. Sammy Tavares, DYSP Shri. Victorino D’Souza, and others
Manipal Hospitals Goa was represented on the dais by Dr. Shekhar Salkar – Chief of Oncology Dep’t at Manipal Hospitals Goa and also Joint Secretary of Goa Cancer Society, Dr. Ravindra Agarwal-
Consultant Psychiatrist at Manipal Hospitals Goa and Dr. Sophia Rodrigues – Consultant Gynaecologist at Manipal Hospitals Goa.
During his speech, Dr. Muktesh Chander thanked Manipal Hospitals Goa and the Goa Cancer Society for having come up with the Health Topics on the need of the hour and requested the Goa Police Women to take full advantage of today’s Health Talks and be frank and bold to speak out their concerns and seek counselling on pressing issues if any. He also encouraged them to share their problems with their seniors at the work place so that appropriate action can be taken in time to avoid unpleasant situations that could occur in the future. The Health Talks for the women by the Manipal Hospitals Goa Consultants were very encouraging with the women discussing openly their problems and concerns. Dr. Shekhar Salkar – Head of Oncology Dep’t at Manipal Hospitals Goa spoke on some of the Cancers that most often effect women, the rising trend of Cancer in Goa among women, the need to identify these cancers and the steps needed to be taken to prevent them or identify them at the early stage to save precious lives and defeat Cancer. Dr. Ravindra Agarwal spoke on tremendous challenging situations faced by the women who have to perform well at Work under sometimes strenuous circumstances and yet fulfil their demanding role as a Mother and as a Wife at Home. He stressed the need for the Women to share their concerns and feelings with their peer groups and with senior’s so that necessary counselling may be given to ensure the mental well being of the women. Dr. Sophia Rodrigues spoke on Menstrual Hygiene challenges and hardships women face during their menstruation and highlighted the positive and innovative solutions to address these challenges.
13. Financial Assistance Scheme with Manipal Hospitals, Goa
The Goa Cancer Society in association with Manipal Hospitals is running a Financial Assistance Scheme for treatment of cancer patients since 2014 where the Society and Manipal Hospital contribute 50-50. Till date we have helped more than 100 patients sanctioning around 35 lacs.
For last Financial year i.e 2017-18 it was 25 patients with amt sanction of Rs.6,80,000/-
There is a prescribed form available to avail this scheme. The scheme is available for patients from any part of the country.
The financial assistance form includes
- Form A-Medical Certificate by Head of Department of Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospitals, Goa and Chief of Clinical Services, Manipal Hospitals, Goa
- Form B-Self certified Income certificate(not exceeding Rs. 10,00,000/-)
- Form C-application to the President of The Goa Cancer Society by the Patient.
- Form D-application to the President of The Goa Cancer Society (in case the patient is minor) by the Parent/Guardian.
- Form E-undertaking given to the Hospital by the President of The Goa Cancer Society
The Medical Committee after having detail analysis of the patients file and income certificate and suggests the amount to be sanctioned.
14. Financial Assistance Scheme for other Hospiatl patients.
This year we have sanctioned 6 patients from other hospitals but unlike Manipal Hospital they don’t contribute the same amount.
The patient is issued a cheque in their name.
15. DILASA Project
The Goa Cancer society signed Agreement with IMA Ponda Charitable Trust on 12th May 2016 to associate with DILASA-Centre for Terminally ill, where corpus donation of 20 lacs against sponsor of 4 rooms (2 rooms with 5 beds and 1 Relative Rest Room at first floor and 1 Medical store Room at Ground Floor at Farmagudi, Dilasa Project Ponda.
Apart from corpous donation the Society has agreed to promote ,support and provide all possible help in the activities like Cancer Detection Camps and Cancer Talks. Infact we have conducted Cancer Camps and CMEs in the last financial year.
16. Research Project
“The Society to encourage research in the field of Cancer has kept aside 5 lacs every year. We welcome any kind of research in cancer to the students of Goa and any other part of India. In 2016-17 The Project “The Expression of a-SMA & CD-163 in ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA:- As Predictors of Tumour Aggressiveness” by Dr. Anupama Mukherjee, Goa Dental College was sanctioned.
17. Linec facility at Manipal Hospital
The Goa Cancer society has sanctioned deposit of Rs.10 lakhs(Rupees Ten Lakhs Only) for treatment of Cancer patients for radiation (Linec) and paid vide chq no. 292979 dtd 28/03/18 from other states of India as radiation for locals patients is free under DDSY scheme.
The terms and conditions for these funds remains the same as that of Financial Assistance Scheme i.e equal amount of financial assistance will be given by Goa Cancer Society, Panaji. and Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula. The sanctioning authority for each and every patient will be Goa Cancer Society.
18. Discount health facility at Manipal Hospital for all types of Members of the Goa Cancer Society
*15% discount will be given on the Hospital bill.If members have medical insurance then the amt which is not covered by insurance companies will be given as discount by Maniapl Hospital, Goa subject to the maximum limit of 15% of total bill.
*10% discount on the total bill will be given to the spouses of the Managing Committee members of the Goa Cancer Society, if they have medical insurance then the amt which is not covered by insurance companies will be given as discount by Maniapl Hospital, Goa subject to the maximum limit of 10% of total bill.
The members have to make health cards to avail this facility, they have to provide the necessary information and passport size photo to the office of the Goa Cancer society.