Panaji: Goa has taken another significant step in the health sector by launching an ‘Adult Vaccination Policy’, with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stating that Goa is the first state in the country to introduce such a policy. Along with the policy, Operational Guidelines have also been issued to ensure its effective implementation.
The objective of the policy is to ensure that essential vaccinations for adults are not limited only to financially well-off sections of society but are made accessible to the general population on a wider scale. The policy will cover various vaccines recommended for adults, including those against influenza, pneumococcal disease and hepatitis, among others, Rane said.
The Health Minister stressed the need to create a protective shield against diseases through vaccination. Adult vaccination, he said, will play an important role in building a healthier population, reducing the risk of diseases and improving the overall longevity of citizens.
‘Goa Model’ Developed Through 20 Years of Healthcare Initiatives
Referring to Goa’s healthcare journey over the past two decades, Rane said the state has consistently introduced new initiatives, from newborn screening to various public health programmes. He also pointed out that Goa was the first state in the country to introduce Newborn Baby Screening.
The state subsequently expanded its vaccination protocols and has now moved towards an adult vaccination policy. Rane said this development was not sudden but was the result of two decades of continuous planning, contributions from doctors, the efforts of the Health Department and collaboration with various institutions.
Policy Developed With Support From WHO and Other Institutions
Rane said guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and various healthcare institutions and experts played an important role in developing the Adult Vaccination Policy.
He said such collaboration helps Goa study developments in the global healthcare sector and formulate effective policies in line with changing health requirements.
Being a small state, Goa has the advantage of being able to formulate and implement new healthcare policies in a relatively efficient manner. However, Rane stressed that merely announcing a policy does not guarantee its success. Active participation from doctors, officials and the entire healthcare system is essential for ensuring that policies reach citizens effectively.
Rane Appreciates Doctors and Healthcare Workers
Rane praised the contribution of doctors and the Health Department team to Goa’s healthcare progress over the past 20 years.
He said the government can formulate policies, but a dedicated medical and healthcare system is required to translate those policies into services that actually reach citizens.
He also highlighted the continued efforts to strengthen Goa’s healthcare system with the support of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, the Health Secretary, Joint Secretary, Health Department officials, doctors and various partner organisations.
‘State Care’ to Take Healthcare Services to Citizens’ Doorsteps
Rane also announced details of the government’s upcoming ‘State Care’ programme, which aims to take healthcare services directly to citizens at their doorstep.
He said the government is also working towards providing opportunities for students trained in Allied Health Sciences and other related fields to serve the state.
An integrated approach will be adopted to ensure that no important component of the healthcare system is overlooked, Rane said.
‘Goa Model’ Represents Two Decades of Healthcare Planning
Speaking about the ‘Goa Model’, Rane said it is not merely a term but represents the healthcare system, planning, roadmap and vision developed by the state over the past two decades.
The objective, he said, is to ensure that citizens receive the necessary healthcare protection at every stage while further strengthening Goa’s healthcare infrastructure and delivery system.
“Today’s launch of the Adult Vaccination Policy and its Operational Guidelines will play an important role in further strengthening Goa’s healthcare system. Goa will set an example for other states in the country,” Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said.
