CHANGING DIABETES BAROMETER!
The Goa government has renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, in continuation of its ‘Changing Diabetes Barometer®’ Program. This program will now support foot care awareness at government centers introduced under the new MoU for people with diabetes for better cure. The MoU was renewed at a program on January 19, 2024.
This is in continuity with the changing diabetes barometer program with Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (a non-profit organisation set up by Novo Nordisk India). Also present at the function were Secretary-Health Arun Kumar Mishra (IAS), Director-Health Services, government of Goa, Dr Geeta Kakodkar, Managing Trustee of NNEF Vikrant Shrotriya, Dean of Goa Medical College Dr S M Bandekar and Counsellor (Health), Royal Embassy of Denmark, Louise Sevel Lundstrom amongst other dignitaries.
Lauding the extra efforts Health Minister Viswajit Rane observed, “Diabetes is a major health concern for 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.” He expressed his happiness in continuing this public-private collaboration to further strengthen the primary health infrastructure in Goa. A digital diabetes registry was also announced to turn Goa into healthcare model for the country.
TRAGIC END TO INNOCENT LIFE
IT was devastating to hear about the smothering to death of a four year old boy allegedly by his own elite mother, in Goa recently. The boy born during the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t allowed to live to go to school or grow up to see what life had in store for him or what he could achieve by way aspirations.
The child was a victim of an undoubtedly angry matrimonial dispute between his parents. When marital disputes cannot be resolved and a marriage salvaged, a parting of the ways is the only way forward. The parting should happen amicably and with as much dignity as possible. But this is easier said than done.
The investigating police should enquire why the mother chose Goa to commit her ghastly act of killing her son. Goa is known for its friendly, laid-back and tranquil qualities, and much sought after for happy holidays. But lately it’s been making news for all the wrong reasons!
May the innocent young boy rest in eternal peace and may those responsible for his death comes to terms with their own actions. Nothing can make up for the loss of a child, surely!
—Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
GIFT COMPLIMENTARY COPY! GREETINGS!
There are many readers who send r contributions by way of letters, articles, poems, etc, to the editor of various newspapers and magazines. However, due to various reasons they do not get any information of their contribution being published in their newspaper/magazine. On behalf of these readers and letter writers I appeal for the gift of a complimentary copy of the publication in which their contributions have been used. This would be an encouragement for them to a keep a record of their contributions being published. Letter writers and citizen reporters contribute without receiving any financial rewards. So it is my suggestion that we public contributors get at least a complimentary copy of issues we get published in!
—Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai
NO DISCUSSION OVER SANCOALE
ADV RADHARAO Gracias should be congratulated for raising some very interesting valid points against the baseless arguments of former RSS chief Subhash Velingkar, while participating in a recent CCR TV debate on old Sancoale Church issue which was titled “A Dialogue of Differences.”
Unfortunately, despite Adv Gracias clearly insisting that the site near the frontispiece of the old Sancoale church (which includes the surrounding properties) belongs to the Church as per all legal documents and even after explaining all the different Sections about Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 (to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto) Velingkar still demanded excavation at the site, the reason being he knows that with such an exercise being carried out he and his supporters will get the final inspection report in their favour, with the help of the Central BJP government-controlled ASI investigation team in Goa). We hear how proudly the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was demolished in the name of faith (not even awaiting a final verdict of the Supreme Court).
This indicates that somehow Velingkar wants to instigate peace-loving Hindus in Goa. So that the Sancoale church issue can become another contentious issue along the lines of the Babri Masjid Mosque at Ayodhya. Perhaps the idea is to start communal riots in Goa. Goans should stay extra vigilant against communal elements and not provoke any violence over religious-centric issues. This will only create enmity which hasn’t existed in Goa between major communities.
—Jerry Fernandes, Saligao