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Healthway Hospitals
Healthway Hospitals, established by a dedicated group of doctors with a shared vision, has rapidly become a cornerstone of Goa’s healthcare system. Guided by the expertise and leadership of Dr. Virendra Sadanand Gaonkar, Chairman, and Dr. Antonio De Bossuet Afonso, Co-Founder, Healthway Hospitals has grown into a state-of-the-art medical facility that offers comprehensive care across a broad range of specialties. This article delves into the transformative journey of Healthway Hospitals, exploring the motivations, achievements, and future aspirations of its founders.
A Vision Rooted in Experience and Passion
Dr. Virendra Sadanand Gaonkar’s journey into paediatrics was driven by both personal inclination and academic inspiration. His passion for working with children, particularly newborns, began during his undergraduate studies in 1979 and deepened as he pursued his MD in Pediatrics. Over the years, this passion evolved into a mission to improve neonatal care in Goa, culminating in the establishment of the first Level 3 Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Goa at Vintage Hospital in 2002. This NICU was a pioneering step in providing advanced care for premature and newborn babies, supported by pediatric surgical expertise. Dr. Gaonkar's relentless pursuit of excellence continued with the founding of CritiCare Hospital in 2006, further expanding neonatal care in the region. In 2013, he joined Healthway Hospitals, where the NICU is now nationally accredited by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF), setting a new standard for neonatal care in Goa.
Dr. Antonio De Bossuet Afonso’s journey, on the other hand, was shaped by a desire to deliver definitive surgical outcomes. Initially inclined towards orthopedics, he gravitated towards general surgery and eventually specialized in oncology and laparoscopic surgery. His commitment to embracing advancements in cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging modalities, has been a driving force behind his career. This focus on innovation and patient care has been a cornerstone of Healthway Hospitals’ approach to healthcare.
The Incception of Healthway Hospitals: A Collective Vision
The establishment of Healthway Hospitals was motivated by a critical gap in Goa's healthcare system. At the time, tertiary healthcare services were limited, forcing patients to travel to cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai for specialized treatments. Recognizing this challenge, a group of 20-25 like-minded doctors from various specialties came together with a shared vision: to create a comprehensive healthcare facility that would provide a wide range of services under one roof. This vision was not just about filling a gap but about setting new benchmarks in healthcare by ensuring accessibility and affordability for all patients, regardless of their financial means.
Dr. Afonso emphasizes that Healthway Hospitals was conceived as an alternative to the existing healthcare models dominated by corporate entities and single-owner nursing homes. The founders sought to create a hospital that prioritized collaborative decision making, patient-centric care, and sustainable growth. This approach was relatively innovative at the time, aiming to foster a hospital environment focused on a collective vision and continuous development.
Milestones in Pediatric and General Healthcare
Since its inception, Healthway Hospitals has achieved several significant milestones that have established it as a leader in healthcare within Goa. In its early years, the hospital obtained accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), a prestigious recognition in the medical field. Additionally, the hospital pioneered Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses, equivalent to MD degrees, in various specialties, including general medicine and anesthesiology, with plans to expand into pediatrics.
The hospital's infrastructure, designed with extensive research and consultation, includes state-of-the-art facilities like integrated operation theatres capable of live surgical demonstrations and a 120-seat auditorium linked to surgical procedures. These facilities promote advanced medical practices and education, ensuring that Healthway Hospitals remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Healthway Hospitals has also emerged as a leading center for kidney transplants in Goa, having performed nearly 21 transplants. Future plans include introducing liver transplants, a first for Goa, and expanding services to attract patients from neighboring states. The hospital is also exploring the introduction of robotic surgery, which promises to enhance precision and patient outcomes. Additionally, plans to initiate DNB courses in radiology, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology are underway, broadening the educational offerings and expertise within the hospital.
A Commitment to Advanced Pediatric Care
Dr. Gaonkar’s dedication to pediatric care is evident in the numerous achievements he has garnered over the years. Treating more than a lakh patients annually across various hospitals and roles, Dr. Gaonkar has made a significant impact on pediatric healthcare in Goa. As the director of Campal Hospital, proprietor of CritiCare Hospital, partner at Royal Hospital in Margao, and chairman of Healthway Hospitals, he has played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare in the region. His leadership in the Pediatric Department at Healthway Hospitals and his advisory role in government health services have further solidified his contributions to improving healthcare standards.
Dr. Gaonkar has also been instrumental in the Kidney Transplant Program of the Government of Goa, serving on the authorization committee since its inception about fifteen years ago. His efforts included initiating the Department of Urology at Goa Medical College and subsequently launching the kidney transplant program there. Through these initiatives, Dr. Gaonkar has played a key role in transforming healthcare services in Goa, particularly in pediatric and neonatal care.
Future Aspirations: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Healthway Hospitals aims to continue expanding its medical services and capabilities to better serve the population of Goa and beyond. Despite the challenges posed by Goa's relatively small population, the hospital is exploring opportunities to attract patients from neighboring states, particularly in areas where it is already renowned, such as kidney and corneal transplants. Introducing liver transplant services, robotic surgery, and expanding DNB courses are among the hospital’s future aspirations.
Dr. Afonso envisions Healthway Hospitals as a leader in oncology and laparoscopic surgery, embracing advancements in cancer treatment and surgical methodologies. He is committed to staying abreast of new concepts and utilizing newer modalities to provide the best possible care and outcomes for his patients. This commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is at the heart of Healthway Hospitals’ mission.
Collaboration Leadership and Strategic Vision
One of the key differentiators of Healthway Hospitals is its collaborative group practice model, which fosters communication and cooperation among different specialties. Unlike hospitals driven by individual leadership, Healthway Hospitals ensures that specialists work together harmoniously to enhance patient care and support the growth of additional specialties. This approach has been particularly successful in fields like cancer surgery and transplant services, where the hospital has pioneered treatments in the private sector in Goa.
Dr. Afonso highlights that the decision-making process at Healthway Hospitals balances gradual evolution with the need for swift implementation where necessary. While potential challenges may arise when there is a shift in ideology or in partnerships with larger institutions, the hospital’s commitment to maintaining alignment with its core values and goals ensures that it navigates these challenges effectively.
The hospital is also open to collaborating with other groups that share similar values and goals. Any potential partnership would involve a democratic decision-making process within the organization, ensuring that the path forward reflects the collective vision of the majority while respecting the perspectives of the minority.
The Evolution of Healthcare in Goa
Reflecting on the evolution of healthcare in Goa, Dr. Afonso notes the significant advancements that have shaped the medical landscape in the region. There has been a noticeable shift towards embracing new medical concepts and technologies, with improvements in the training of healthcare professionals, equipment, and patient monitoring capabilities. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities have seen substantial enhancements, contributing to better patient outcomes, particularly in critical care settings like those at Healthway Hospitals.
The emergence of intensivists, who specialize in critical care, has been pivotal in transforming the approach to critical care in Goa. This shift towards specialized care has been instrumental in improving patient outcomes and ensuring that healthcare services in Goa continue to evolve to meet the needs of the population.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Healthway Hospitals stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a group of dedicated professionals come together with a shared vision. Under the leadership of Dr. Gaonkar and Dr. Afonso, the hospital has not only filled a critical gap in Goa’s healthcare system but has also set new benchmarks in medical care. With a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and patient-centric care, Healthway Hospitals is poised to lead the way in healthcare in Goa and beyond. As the hospital continues to grow and evolve, its legacy of excellence and innovation will undoubtedly inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
