Panaji: April 24, 2018 The Directorate of Health Services has appealed the public to take precautions against Kyasanur Forest  Disease (KFD).  

Vaccination facilities against KFD are available at CHC Valpoi, PHC Sankhalim, PHC  Dharbandora, PHC Cansarvarnem, PHC Betki and PHC Marcaim.

Two doses at an interval of one month, Age group 6 – 14 years – half dose 15 – 65 years – full dose.  Booster dose is administered after 6-9 months & every yearly as informed by the Directorate of HealthServices.

Kyasanur Forest Disease is caused by Kyasanur Forest Disease virus (KFDV). It is reported in Karnataka,  Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa (Since 2015).

 Panaji: April 23, 2018 …. Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has issued its advisory regarding  increased susceptibility diseases Food and Waterborne Diseases during the summer and Pre-monsoon season such as Typhoid, Diarrhoea, Cholera, Viral Hepatitis etc. Common symptoms of waterborne & Food borne infections are Fever, Nausea, Vomiting, loose motions, jaundice, abdominal pain and fatigue.  It is informed that all the cases with above mentioned symptoms should be immediately reported to the nearest health centre or physician.

Public is requested to take measures for prevention from Waterborne and Food borne infections. Public is requested to be clean, keep good personal hygiene, washing hands before handling food, during food preparation, before eating and after going to the toilet, sanitizing all surfaces and equipment in  kitchen and do not throwing garbage in open are some of the measures to prevent from seasonal diseases.

Also, separate cooking  of raw and cooked food, raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods, usage of separate utensils such as knives and cutting boards for handling raw foods , cooking food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, bringing foods like soups and stews to boiling to make sure that they have       reached 70°C, consumption freshly cooked food and boiled water.

            Public is informed that  not to leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, refrigerate promptly all cooked and perishable food (preferably below 5°C), keep cooked food piping hot (more than 60°C) prior to serving, do not store food too long even in the refrigerator, do not thaw frozen food at room temperature, do not expose food and beverages to flies.

            DHS has also appealed to public to use safe water or treat it to make it safe or use boiled water, select fresh and wholesome foods, choose foods processed for safety, such as pasteurized milk,  wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw, do not use food beyond its expiry date, do not consume water, milkshakes, fruit juices and eatables from roadside vendors. And also be careful what you eat”, unpasteurized milk, non-bottled drinks, uncooked food should be avoided. U se boiled water or bottled mineral water (now available everywhere), travellers should be aware of the importance of oral rehydration fluids containing salt and glucose for countering dehydration. 

Panaji, April 22, 2018 … The Minister for Health, Shri. Vishwajit Rane on Friday inaugurated the dedicated Oncology OPD and Full-fledged Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit at the Goa Medical College (GMC).  Shri Rane said that these are important departments of the Goa Medical College (GMC) and it is their sincere efforts to save people’s lives.

                The Burns unit is well-equipped for the management of patients with critical and severe burns and has a dedicated medical, nursing and ancillary staff where patients are continuous monitored. This unit is also recognized under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Burns Injury.

                Shri Rane further said that they are following up on establishing the Regional Cancer Set-up which has been accorded top priority.  “We want to strengthen the GMC,” Shri Rane said.

                The Minister also said that GMC will be the only hospital in Goa where organ transplants will be authorized to be conducted in the State of Goa. “No other hospital in Goa will be given permission to do organ transplant,” the minister said adding,  “This is in the interest of Goans and Goa,” said Shri Rane.

                Present on the occasion were MLA of St. Andre, constituency, Shri Francisco Silveira, MLA of St Cruz Constituency, Shri Antonio Fernandes, Dean GMC, Dr Pradeep Naik, Medical Superintendent, GMC, Dr Shivanand Bandekar, Head of Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Dr. Yuri Dias Amborcar, among others.

Panaji, April 21, 2018 …. The Minister for River Navigation, Shri Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar recently launched three new ferry boats -M.V. Malar, M.V. Agapur and M.V. Wadi-Talaulim.

The new ferry boats will benefit passengers along the proposed routes – Volvoi-Surla, Adpai-Rassaim and Panaji-Betim- from where these ferries will operate.

M/s Dempo Shipbuilding and Engineering Pvt. Ltd. Bainguinim, Old Goa was entrusted with the task of constructing the new ferry boats.  The cost of the construction of all three ferry boats is Rs. 1,91,04,000/- (rupees one crore ninety one lakh four thousand only) inclusive of GST.

Panaji: April 20, 2018 ::: Minister for Tourism, Shri Manohar Ajgaonkar inaugurated Late Dattaram Kanekar Natya Mohatsav 2018 organized by Directorate of Art and Culture, in association with Satiya Devi Kedar Natya Mandal and Shree Swami Nayas Pernem at Naibag Pernem yestarday.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajgaonkar  said that Late Dattaram Kanekar is an inspiration and a role model for the youth today. Late Kanekar had a dream to build a Ravindra Bhavan in Pernem which will be fulfilled soon at Dhargal, he added.

Shri Milind Mate, Assistant Director, Directorate of Art and Culture, Shri Rakesh Swar, Panch Member, Shri Rajesh Halankar, Shri Gajanan Sawal Desai, Jaiendranath Haldankar, Shri Rajmohan Shetye,Shri Shashikant Punaji,Shri Saidas Suwar,Shri Pundalik Pilankar and others were present on the occasion.

Panaji 19th April :::: Tourism Minister Babu Azgoankar in the presence of GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral today inaugurated the India’s much loved Lifestyle and Wine Festival the ‘Grape Escapade 2018 organised by the Goa Tourism through Goa Tourism Development Corporation  (GTDC), at the D.B. Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim

This year it is the 14^th edition of the Grape Escapade and the festival draws lakhs of tourists in view of the on-going summer vacations  and  surge in tourists to the State.

Over the years, Grape Escapade has provided a platform for local enterpreneurs to share expertise, display products, engage in B2B, and offers  tourists and  Goans an opportunity to  savour on flavours from the vineyard, taste Goan food and experience Goa’s traditions and culture.

The event is a celebration of the finest – wine, food, fashion and entertainment. The 4 day festival brings together a host of professionals from the tourism & hospitality industry; hoteliers, restaurateurs, wineries and manufacturers to showcase their premium offerings.

Panjim, April 18   : Goa being a land of festivals has a lot to showcase to the world and one of the most interesting elements are its festivals.  There’s  a double treat  in the second  fortnight  of April 2018.

Goa Tourism is all set to conduct two of its most captivating events, the Grape Escapade  and  Goa Vintage Car & Bike Festival 2018.

 Grape Escapade 2018:  India’s much loved  Lifestyle  and  Wine Festival organized by Goa Tourism through   Goa Tourism Development Corporation  (GTDC), the ‘Grape Escapade 2018’, is all set to begin from  April 19- 22  at the D.B. Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim from 6pm onwards.

This is the 14^th edition of the Grape Escapade. The four day event is expected to draw lakhs of tourists in view of the on-going summer vacations  and  surge in tourists to the State.

Over the years, Grape Escapade has provided a platform for local enterpreneurs to share expertise, display products, engage in B2B, and offers  tourists and  Goans an opportunity to  savour on flavours from the vineyard, taste Goan food and experience Goa’s traditions and culture.

The event is a celebration of the finest – wine, food, fashion and entertainment. The 4 day festival brings together a host of professionals from the tourism & hospitality industry; hoteliers, restaurateurs, wineries and manufacturers to showcase their premium offerings.

Goa Vintage Car & Bike Festival 2018: Goa Tourism’s Vintage Bike and Car festival is ready to hit the streets  of Panjim  on 29^th April  2018  at the INOX Courtyard from 10.00 a.m. onwards.

Various vintage bike and car owners, users, collectors and fans  will parade along with  their prized possessions around the capital city of Panjim.

The vintage bike and car rally will route from INOX courtyard  to  Miramar Circle and  further proceed to Divja circle and head back to  INOX Courtyard  where they will be  on display  till 6.00 pm. This will be followed by a function  to award prizes and  certificates   for various categories  of vintage  vehicles. Some  of  the categories  will include the oldest automobile, most appealing and  the rarest etc.

A fashion show and various other entertainment programmes would be lined-up in the evening to engage the audience and make this event a memorable one.

 Panaji: April 18, 2018 … Minister for Labour and Employment Shri. Rohan Khaunte launched on-line services of Labour Department today.

          The Labour Department has taken a step forward to make its services accessible to the public through www.goaonline.gov.in portal in order to improve the efficiency, accuracy and make application processing  methodology transparent with minimum human intervention,

          Stressing the advantages of the online platform, Shri Khaunte said, public need not visit the department to apply for a new registration or renewals.  They can do so by submitting their application online who also can view and download a digitally signed Registration certificate on a real time basis.

          All status updates of the application will be intimated to the applicant via SMS and email. Applicant will also be to check the response towards the application through the portal. The above initiative is launched as eDistric MMP of Department of Information Technology and developed and designed by Goa Electronics Limited the minister added.

          Shri P. S. Reddy, Secretary for Labour and Employment and Shri Gopal Parsekar, Commissioner for  Labour and Employment were present.   

Panaji, April 17, 2018  …. Minister for Panchayat Shri. Mauvin Godinho will be releasing Rs 10,000/- each for the all Panchayats as grants for conducting activities in their jurisdiction on Panchayat Raj Day, which will be celebrated across  the state on April 24.

As part of Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan, a Village Self Governance Campaign will be celebrated in the state from April 14 to May 5, 2018. The Abhiyaan will have convergence of the flagship programmes of the Government such as  Swatchh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Matri Ujjwala Yojana, Kisan Kalyan Yojana, Mission Indradhanush and  Ujawal Scheme etc.

The Abhiyaan is aimed to promote social harmony, reach out to poor rural households and obtain feedback  on ongoing programmes, enhance livelihood opportunities and re-emphasize national priorities such as  cleanliness and strengthen Panchayat Raj Institution. During the campaign various activities will be  also conducted at Panchayat level.

Swachch Bharat Divas will be celebrated throughout the State on behalf of Directorate of Panchyats on  April 18, 2018. Activities such as rallies, drawing competition’s, Rangoli competition’s, shramdaan for  cleaning activities will be also conducted during the one day celebration.

National Panchayat Raj Day will be also celebrated on April 24, 2018. Wherein, to interact with the  children’s and to know their problems Bal Gram Sabhas will be conducted in afternoon.

Exhibition will be organized in the Panchayat to showcase the models of good Governance along with  success stories of various schemes of Gram Panchayats, the State Government and Government of India by  way of posters, Banners, Photographs and A/V materials. Also special Gram Sabhas will be conducted by
every Panchayat on April 24 at 10 am. Gram Sabhas will discuss the theme “Swapnatlem Goem Sobit Goem”.  Other issues like safe drinking water and  sanitation will also be discussed.

Panaji, April 17, 2018 …  “Goa has its own unique identity, which has to be retained, maintained and its value enhanced,” said Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri. Suresh Prabhu on Monday while addressing a press briefing at Dabolim.

Shri. Prabhu further said that Dabolim airport would be modernised and renovated with an extension of terminals, multi-layer parking etc to ensure that it remains functional to meet the growing demands of tourism in the state of Goa.

The Minister informed that the Civil Aviation Ministry has launched a programme for skill development. He also said that the Taxi drivers’ grievances would be looked into as the airport authority will enter into an agreement with Government of Goa to operate an additional counter which will be run by Goa tourism to ensure local taxis get more opportunities. At this counter, local produce and products from Goa will be sold.