Government of Goa announced renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue the ongoing ‘Changing Diabetes Barometer®’ (CDB) program with Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), a non-profit organisation set up by Novo Nordisk India. The ceremony was presided by Minister of Health, Government of Goa, Vishwajit Rane; Secretary Health, Government of Goa, Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS; Director-Health Services, Government of Goa, Dr Geeta Kakodkar; Managing Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, Vikrant Shrotriya; Dean of Goa Medical College, Dr S M Bandekar and Counsellor (Health), Royal Embassy of Denmark, Louise Sevel Lundstrom among several other dignitaries. As part of the revised MoU, the state’s first-ever foot care clinic for people living with diabetes will also be developed in addition to continued diabetes awareness, screening and medical education and training programs for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The CDB program was launched over a decade ago by the state government to create awareness and support around diabetes care and capacity building in the state.
Lauding the effort, Minister, Vishwajit Rane said, “The Government of Goa takes pride in continuing its focused approach towards prioritising health for its people and implementing various programs under the larger vision of ‘Ayushmann Bharat’. Diabetes is a major health concern for the state of Goa, with more than 26% of the population living with diabetes – the maximum in any Indian state. The state’s ongoing association with NNEF for the last 15 years has been instrumental in acknowledging the prevalence of diabetes in the state and for taking various measures to reduce the burden of this disease. We are happy to continue this public-private collaboration with NNEF and further strengthen the primary health infrastructure to counter diabetes in Goa. This is also the correct occasion for us to announce the launch of our digital diabetes registry for our people so that there is appropriate monitoring of the disease and effective allocation of manpower and focused awareness campaigns. Continuing our commitment to transformative healthcare initiatives, the Health Department in Goa is poised to introduce a series of groundbreaking measures. These initiatives aim to redefine healthcare standards, setting the stage for the Goa healthcare model to become a shining example across the country. With a vision to make Goa a healthcare center of excellence, these strategic efforts underscore our dedication to pioneering advancements that will positively impact the well-being of our citizens and set new benchmarks in the national healthcare landscape.”
Appreciating the program, Louise Sevel Lundstrom, Counsellor (Health), Royal Embassy of Denmark said, “We are proud to associate with this initiative that aims at improving the quality of life for people with diabetes through continued care. This is in line with the Indo-Danish strategic partnership dedicated towards promoting overall health and wellness. We appreciate efforts put in by organisations like Novo Nordisk Education Foundation for such collaborative programs with the Central and State Governments of India to make a significant difference in curbing the growing numbers of people with diabetes and providing help for many more in need.”
Adding further, Dr Geeta Kakodkar, Director, Health Service, Government of Goa, said, “Persons with diabetes as well as those who are in the pre-diabetic condition, need monitoring of their blood sugar levels. The rise in these cases is extremely worrying and hence the state government is working relentlessly towards creating awareness and extending care. The digital diabetes registry is a step towards identifying the existing burden and making it essential for people living with diabetes to regularly have themselves checked. The foot care clinic and ophthalmology clinic in association with NNEF are a step towards that direction since uncontrolled diabetes can lead to several complications and hence need expert intervention and management.”
*Managing Trustee, NNEF, Vikrant Shrotriya said, “We are honoured to add another leaf in our ongoing association with the state government of Goa to bring down the impact of diabetes in the state. This MoU is a part of NNEF’s unique ‘ACT’ initiative – increasing Awareness, building Capacity and elevating Treatment across Goa. Till now, we have partnered with several state governments in various capacities to develop programs that support diabetes care under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework. Our focus is to contribute to Goa’s primary healthcare infrastructure by building capacity & capability and bringing the qualitative & quantitative aspects of diabetes to the forefront of societal attention. Considering the alarming diabetes statistics across India, we aim to support policy initiatives by various states and the Union government to benefit masses.”
As part of this MoU, the state government and NNEF will continue the ongoing public-private collaboration to develop robust community diabetes centres along with Goa Medical College, district hospitals and sub-district hospitals. A foot-care clinic will also be established in the existing government healthcare unit.
Emphasising on the importance of educating more people and making them aware of the concerns and complications associated with diabetes, 15 diabetes educators will be available for home visits and expert counselling on diet, exercise and general wellbeing for the people living with diabetes across Goa. Moreover, four mega diabetes camps will be organised over a period of three years for increasing awareness and diabetes screening in the state. Focus will also be given to developing a capacity building model via 360-degree training for state doctors and diabetes experts.
