Incredible Goa March 2024

DR MAHESH NAIK

Senior Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Mahesh Naik, one of the senior doctors at Manipal Hospitals Goa, embarked on his medical journey in 1987 when he joined Kasturba Medical College in Manipal as an assistant professor. Reflecting on his experience, he expressed admiration for the working culture at the esteemed institution. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion as a professor of Surgery in 1994, coinciding with the transformation of Kasturba Medical College into Manipal Academy of Higher Education, a renowned name in the academic world.

In 1994, as Manipal Hospitals planned its expansion into Goa, Dr. Mahesh Naik, being Goan himself with an educational background from GMC, was entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading the development in the region. Recalling the initial conditions, he described visiting the proposed site, a barren land with only a resident doctor and a security guard housed in a small building devoid of facilities.

Upon returning to Manipal, Dr Mahesh Naik provided feedback on the dire situation in Goa, expressing scepticism about establishing a hospital there However, Mr. Ramdas Pai, the head of the trust, reassured him of their ambitious plans to set up a 200-bed hospital in Goa. Dr. Naik was moved by Mr. Pai's sincerity and his deep-rooted connection to Goa, evidenced by his devotion to Devi Mahalasa, a deity in the region

Recognizing the genuine intent behind the initiative, Dr. Naik committed himself to the project, recognizing it as a step in the right direction.

At that time, Manipal Hospitals intended to enter into a joint venture with the existing Goa Cancer Society, which operated the facility in Dona Paula, Goa. Dr Mahesh Naik's involvement marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Manipal Hospitals in Goa, driven by a vision to provide quality healthcare services to the people of the region.

Expounding on the pivotal role of technology in healthcare, Dr Naik underscored the inevitable dominance of robotics in shaping the future of the industry. "Technology has consistently proven its superiority, and robotics stands poised as the future frontier," he a s s e r t e d A d d r e s s i n g c o n c e r n s surrounding early-generation robotics incidents, Dr Naik emphasized that advancements in robotic technology are o n g o i n g , w i t h e a c h s u c c e s s i v e generation refining safety protocols and enhancing performance.

Furthermore, Dr Naik highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing medical healthcare. He envisaged a future where AI seamlessly integrates into medical practice, not only augmenting decisionmaking processes but also rectifying any errors that may arise. Dr. Naik's insights reflect a forward-looking perspective, recognizing the transformative power of technology to enhance patient care and drive advancements in the healthcare sector.

DR SHEKHAR SALKAR

Senior Consultant & Oncologist

Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a highly esteemed figure in the medical community of Goa, has been an integral part of Manipal Hospitals Goa since its inception. "Before relocating to Goa, I served at Tata Memorial Hospitals in Mumbai. However, in 1990, I decided to return to my homeland, Goa, to contribute to its healthcare sector," Dr. Salkar shared.

Upon his arrival, he found that the medical infrastructure in Goa was still in its nascent stages, prompting him to practice across multiple locations in both Goa and Maharashtra.

Initially attempting to secure a position at Goa Medical College, Dr Salkar encountered challenges due to the u n a v a i l a b i l i t y o f v a c a n c i e s .

Consequently, he began his private practice in Goa, becoming a familiar face in hospitals across the region, where he performed surgeries and provided consultations.

In late 1994, Manipal Hospital Goa reached out to Dr. Salkar for a thyroid

surgery, marking the beginning of his association with the institution. Initially serving as a visiting consultant, Dr. Salkar transitioned to a full-time consultant role in 2014.

When offered a full-time position at Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr Salkar stipulated that he be allowed to continue his practice in Bicholim, his hometown. The hospital management agreed to his terms, and he has since been balancing his responsibilities, conducting major surgeries at Manipal Hospitals Goa while attending to his patients in Bicholim. Dr.

Salkar remains dedicated to Manipal Hospitals Goa, focusing his practice exclusively within its premises.

Dr. Salkar highlighted the exceptional work culture at Manipal Hospitals Goa, attributing it as the primary reason for the enduring commitment of doctors like himself to the institution "I haven't e n c o u n t e r e d a n o t h e r h o s p i t a l d e m o n s t r a t i n g s u c h g e n u i n e consideration for its doctors," he emphasised Dr Salkar recounted instances where even the Vice President of the hospital would personally sit

outside the OPD to meet with them "Instead of summoning us to their offices, they would make the effort to come and discuss matters of importance with us," he remarked, noting that this practice continues to be upheld to date This approach exemplifies the hospital's commitment to fostering a supportive and respectful environment for its medical professionals, a factor that has undoubtedly contributed to the longstanding dedication of its staff.

DR DEEPAK MURTY

Senior Consultant Department Of ENT

Dr. Murty, although not native to Goa, has called the region home for over two decades and has been closely associated with Manipal Hospitals during this time. "While I may not have pursued my studies in Goa or initially had acquaintances upon my arrival, having lived here for more than 20 years, I consider myself a Goan by domicile," Dr Murty shared.

Reflecting on his tenure at Manipal Hospitals, which has flourished over the past 30 years with over 70 consultants, Dr. Murty emphasized the remarkable professionalism and high standards of

work culture prevalent in Goa. He admired the conducive environment that fosters longevity in the careers of doctors like Dr Salkar and others This professional ethos, coupled with the conducive work environment, has enabled practitioners to forge enduring associations with Manipal Hospitals.

According to Dr. Murty, Manipal Hospitals Goa stands as the sole institution in the region equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure tailored specifically for cancer patients. "We were pioneers in Goa, being the first hospital to install CT and MRI scanners, crucial tools in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer," he affirmed. Dr Murty emphasized the hospital's continued commitment to innovation, highlighting the recent addition of PET-CT scan technology, a resource unmatched by any other hospital within a 200 square kilometre radius. He noted that cancer care remains the hospital's primary focus, with Manipal Hospitals Goa likely treating a larger volume of cancer patients compared to other facilities in the area.

Furthermore, Dr Murty shed light on the strategic rationale behind establishing a multi-specialty hospital. He explained that while cancer treatment remains a central aspect of their mission, the diversification into multiple specialities also serves to generate revenue This revenue, in turn, helps offset the substantial subsidies required for cancer care, ensuring the sustainability and continued provision of high-quality services to patients in need.

Discussing the expansion plans of Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr. Murty clarified

that there are currently no intentions to establish satellite clinics in the region. "Manipal Hospitals operates as a tertiary care facility, and our focus is not on creating unnecessary competition that may undermine the work of general practitioners," he explained. Dr. Murty emphasized a collaborative approach, preferring to partner with existing healthcare providers. Rather than setting up satellite clinics, Manipal Hospitals seeks to support local practitioners by assisting with cases beyond their capacity due to resource limitations or other constraints This collaborative stance reflects Manipal Hospitals' commitment to fostering a cohesive healthcare ecosystem and ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care they need, regardless of where they seek treatment.

DR DIPCHAND BHANDARE Senior Consultant Orthopaedics

According to Dr Bhandare, Manipal Hospital began its journey primarily as a cancer treatment centre, gradually expanding its scope to encompass

various medical specialities "When I commenced my practice at Manipal Hospitals Goa, there was no orthopaedic department in place. I vividly remember having to hand over all the necessary equipment to the nursing staff the night before surgeries for the following morning," he recounted Dr Bhandare p e r s o n a l l y s p e a r h e a d e d t h e establishment of the entire orthopaedic department at Manipal Hospitals Goa. He noted the initial challenges faced, including the lack of trained staff for orthopaedics. Despite these hurdles, Dr. Bhandare remained steadfast in his commitment, driven by his vision of witnessing Manipal Hospitals Goa evolve into one of the premier healthcare facilities in Goa.

Dr. Bhandare fondly recalled the support he received from Dr. Deepak Murty, who was heading the hospital at that time. With Dr Murty's assistance, arrangements were made for the necessary orthopaedic equipment. Over time, Manipal Hospitals Goa transitioned into a fully-fledged multi-speciality hospital, with each department equipped with its staff and facilities. This transformation underscores the hospital's journey from its humble beginnings as a cancer treatment centre

to becoming a comprehensive healthcare institution catering to diverse medical needs.

Addressing the future of healthcare at Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr Dipchand Bhandare emphasized the institution's advancements in surgical technology "Today, Manipal Hospitals boasts robotics in surgery and endoscopy in spine surgery, innovations that are poised for further growth," he stated. Dr. Bhandare highlighted the hospital's prominent role in trauma care, noting that Manipal Hospital handles the majority of trauma cases in Goa.

He also highlighted the significant growth t r a j e c t o r y o f t h e o r t h o p a e d i c department, with over five thousand patients currently seeking treatment and a rapidly expanding patient base. This growth underscores Manipal Hospitals' commitment to providing cutting-edge healthcare services and meeting the evolving needs of the community. As technology continues to advance and patient volumes increase, Manipal Hospitals Goa is poised to remain at the forefront of healthcare excellence in the region.