Goa set to be hotspot for medical tourism

25/10/201125/10/2011

PANAJI, October 24, 2011
Special Correspondent
The Hindu

It is seen as tourism destination with modern healthcare systems

Experts and stakeholders of medical tourism on Sunday said Goa had a major potential for medical tourism which needs to be tapped.

Medical health tourism professionals were speaking at an interactive session on medical tourism on the second day of the on-going Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2011 here.

Digambar Naik and Parag Rindani explained how medical tourism was one of the most promising sectors in India, because of the good quality of healthcare available in modern Indian hospitals and the cheap costs involved as compared to healthcare facilities in the developed countries in Europe and the U.S.

“Goa offers a complete package. Along with a modern and efficient healthcare systems, it is a top tourism destination in the world. It has the potential to offer both rehabilitation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul,” Dr. Naik said.

“Along with the medical fields like cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, Goa had talented healthcare professionals which could match with the best in the world. The region was blessed with naturally therapeutic delights.”

“Goa has the country’s best hotels where patients can have a comfortable stay, it is culturally rich where prices are affordable,” he said.

Dr. Rindani, Head of Medical Strategy and Clinical Excellence, at the Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd., said that patients wanted safe and effective care without complications with clarity on costs in a caring and nurturing environment.

Laying emphasis on the importance of standardisation and accreditation of the healthcare facilities to promote medical tourism, Dr. Rindani said: “Accreditation focuses on learning self-development, improved performance, and reducing risk. It is based on optimum standards, professional accountability and encourages healthcare organisation to pursue continual excellence.”

Pakistani Catholic Goans get a break in Indian visa norms

23/10/201123/10/2011

TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: There is good news for Goan Catholics in Pakistan, Ministry of Home Affairs (foreigner division) has decided to approve the issue of Long term visas (LTV) to Christians and Buddhists living in Pakistan so as to enable them to apply for citizenship.

Indian government had decided to enable religious minorities in Pakistan to apply for Indian citizenship provided they meet the terms and conditions. Until now that facility was extended only to Hindus and Sikhs.
“The question of including other minority communities in Pakistan (other than Hindus and Sikhs) in categories of persons eligible for grant of long term visa / extension of LTV has been examined by the government. It has been decided with the approval of the competent authority to include Christians and Buddhists in the list of minority communities in Pakistan…” a letter sent by Joint Secretary (Foreigners) in the MHA to Commissioner of NRI Affairs Eduardo Faleiro reads.
Faleiro had written to the Home Minister P Chidambaram explaining to him the plight of Goan Catholics.
“At the time of undivided India, many Goans mostly Christians migrated to Karachi and elsewhere in present day Pakistan. Christians constitute a significant minority community in Pakistan. May I request you to kindly include Christians in addition to Hindus and Sikhs as members of the minority community communities in Pakistan for the purpose of LTV so as to enable them to qualify for Indian citizenship. This will greatly help Goan Christians who are Pakistani Nationals and have been in Goa before December 31, 2009 to qualify for Indian citizenship,” Faleiro had requested in his letter to the Union Minister.

Many Goans living in Pakistan possess property in Goa and are unable to even visit their ‘homeland’ except for a brief period.

Issuing of visas to Pakistani nationals visiting India is governed by the Indo-Pak visa agreement of 1974, which only provided for the issue of short-term visas.

Bishop Terence Brady will celebrate the St. Francis Xavier’s feast mass

20/10/201101/11/2011

Bishop Terence Brady will celebrate the St. Francis Xavier’s feast mass on the Sunday the 11th of December 2011 at 12 noon at st Benedit’s Church, Smithfield.
The commuinty is invited to attend this special annual mass. A Goan choir and musicians will be performing. The mass will be said in Konkani and english.
If you are good at singing or good at konkani , please contact us as soon as possible on 0411 131 891 – Tony Colaco.
Dev Borem korum.

We would love to hear from you.

Contact us by via email by sending your message. Thanks.

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NSW Goan Village Groups

15/10/201104/11/2013

Dear members and friends

The G.O.A NSW inc supports and appreciates the social activities carried out by the various Village – groups/committees in NSW.

Working together as one united Goan community in NSW is the vision of the G.O.A NSW Inc.

In order for all the village groups to have their activities published on the web, the G.O.A NSW has dedicated this page for all type of village activities and announcements.

Navelim

The Union of Navelim is celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Rosary on Sun 17^th November as per flyer below.

By attending this event you will also be supporting the Goans in Goa, where we have donated from our profits to various worthy charities.

We have a new and fabulous venue with a sumptuous buffet and dancing to the music of Craig Dickinson.

Please contact us and book and bring as many as you wish. This is also a family day so bring the kids too. Please pass this to your friends. Thanks

Kind regards

Mona Dias

Assagao and Betalbatim 2012 NY Dance

The success story of the New Year’s Eve Fun night rolls on into the 6th year. This year the Assagao and Betalbatim Association have the crowd favourite – musician Craig Dickenson, back to entertain you and have you dance right off your feet. Rock and Roll, Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Macarena, Line Dance and the lot! As with last year, there will be some disco music thrown in for the younger set and a session of Goan masala music to thrill too. The kids will be entertained with games and the Limbo rock competition will return. All this entertainment with dinner and soft drinks thrown in for $45. Despite spiralling costs, we have maintained our entry cost at $45 for adults and $15 for kids between 5 years and 15 years. Kids under 5 years are free.

All proceeds will go to Charities in India. To date, we have donated over $12,000 to charities in Goa and Mumbai over the past five years. As usual, your attendance and financial support by way of donations is invaluable and will be greatly appreciated. So those of you who can afford, we would gratefully accept any cash sponsors for the Limbo rock competition and the kids games.

The party starts promptly at 6:30 pm and dinner is from 7:45 pm. Then we bring on the New Year excitement with dances, prizes and our midnight special. Be there on time so you don’t miss out on any of the food or fun.

We have a total of 200 tickets (adults and kids) available so you MUST book soon. Booking confirmation and payment is required no later than 25 November 2012. Please tell your friends interested in attending or send them this web page link above. Dev borem korum.

Payment:
Bank: Qantas Credit Union
BSB# 704 865 AC# 02182847
Account Name: Mark R Fonseca

Adults $45 and Kids 5 to 15 years – $15
Show your surname/name and no of tickets in the EFT
Please send a confirmation email to: fonseca@optusnet.com.au
or phone Mark (0414912053)

Moira

Watch this space.

Tivim

The first Tivim Social was held in Sydney, Australia on 17^th September 2011. I’m pleased to report that it was a huge success and a fun filled evening.

We received an overwhelming response and support from Tivimkars, and well wishers. The organising committee would like to thank all those who donated prizes, promoted and attended the event. We hope you will support us in the same way in the future.

As intended the profits made on the day, were sent to the Principal of St Ann’s High School Tivim to assist their ongoing school building project. Over the past fifty years the school has provided education, employment, and assistance to families in need. Through education it has changed many lives and uplifted the standards of others. The fundraising held was in appreciation of the sacrifices and good work the St Ann’s nuns and teachers have done for the betterment of others. I would also encourage ex student in other parts of the world to raise funds and help your school in any other way you can.

This is what Sister Joysee had to say on receiving our donation:-

“With grateful heart I am here to say a big thank you to you & all those who worked very hard to collect this huge amount of Rs.1,44,918/-

GOD LOVES A CHEERFULL GIVER – said Jesus

Yes, this is just meant for all of you. You deserve GOD’S blessings in abundance because you worked hard for a very good purpose – for the well being of your Alma Mater( St. Ann’s High School – Tivim.) Be assured that this amount will be used to clear the debt of the school building.

God bless you all!!

Sr. Joysee T; Principal, St Ann’s School Tivim Goa “

For your viewing pleasure here are some photos of the evening captured on camera by our amateur photographers.

Thank you all and once again.

Best wishes

Joe & Alcina

View the pictures of the Tivim 2011 Social by clicking here

IMPORTANT NOTICE

”TIVIM SOCIAL 2012” Will be held on the 20th of October 2012 at St Getrudes Church Hall Smithfield. Tivimkar’s and fellow Goan’s please make a note in your diary. More details will follow soon in the meantime please pass the word around specially people from Tivim be part of this special day.

Tivim Social 2012.

Tivim Social 2012 was truly a night of fun and entertainment with lots of dancing, prizes and delicious buffet dinner. Interesting to note how much people cherish their own and ancestral connection with Tivim. Each one relates their own reason for being part of this Social gathering. It was to a great opportunity for people to meet their old and new friends and revive their friendships. There were others who turned up simply to have fun and support a great cause. Patriotic Tivimkars and generous members of the community donated many prizes which added some extra excitement on the day.

This year’s beneficiary was St Vincent de Paul Society of Tivim who provide refuge to homeless women, medical assistance to the sick and help the needy in Tivim. The total amount donated was Rs142, 545/- which was greatly appreciated and acknowledged by St Vincent De Paul Society in Goa.

Fr Clifford D’souza graced the occasion with his presence, blessing of the food and all present on the day. The crowd danced to thenonstop music by CraigDickinson and our upcoming Goan musician Malcolm Britto. As always compere Noel Carvalho was at his best and set the mood right for the evening with games, prizes & surprises. This was followed by our traditional Goan march, masala, line dancing and the latest craze Gangnam Style. It was all in good fun as it was meant to be.

Our sincere thanks to all those who attended, helped us on the day and donated prizes. Wish you all Happy festive season and safe holidays.

With thanks and best wishes

Joe Dsouza

View the pictures of the Tivim 2012 Social by clicking here