BJP Goa State Medical Cell Holds Brainstorming Session on Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Reforms

Goa Khabar:The BJP Goa State Medical Cell convened a brainstorming session on healthcare policy and regulatory reforms at the BJP Goa State Office under the chairmanship of Shri Siddharth Kunkolikar, Goa Pradesh General Secretary. The meeting was attended by Convenor Dr. Shekhar Salkar, along with Dr. Shailesh Kamat, Dr. Sonia Kanekar, Dr. Pratista Cuncolincar, Dr. Devdutt Sail, Dr. Jyoti Sawant, and invitee Dr. Rajesh Bhat.

The meeting focused on key policy issues aimed at strengthening Goa’s healthcare ecosystem through improved governance, regulatory reforms, and workforce development.

A major point of discussion was the proposal to establish a Single-Window Clearance System for medical establishments. Members highlighted the need to simplify the existing licensing and approval process for hospitals, clinics, dental practices, diagnostic centres, and other healthcare facilities by integrating approvals from multiple government departments through a unified digital platform. The Medical Cell resolved to engage with Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) and relevant government departments to explore the technical feasibility and prepare a roadmap for implementation.

The Medical Cell also deliberated on the service conditions of healthcare personnel working under the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), including AYUSH Medical Officers and other contractual staff. Members emphasized the importance of equitable service conditions, strengthening the public healthcare workforce, and examining feasible mechanisms for regularization. It was decided that the Cell would study existing policies and submit appropriate recommendations to the Government.

The meeting further discussed the issue of sick leave provisions for school teachers specially in critical diseases in Goa. Members noted the importance of ensuring adequate health-related leave by cutting  leaves in advance stage eg six months for early breast cancer six months during their advanced stage and other welfare measures for teachers.The Cell resolved to undertake an evidence based review of the existing leave policy, assess its adequacy, and examine the feasibility of recommending dedicated sick leave provisions along with preventive healthcare initiatives such as periodic health screening programmes.

Another important agenda item was the review of the Goa Clinical Establishments Act. Members discussed practical challenges faced by healthcare providers in complying with the existing regulatory framework and agreed that certain provisions may require revision to better reflect Goa’s healthcare landscape. The Medical Cell resolved to consult medical associations and relevant stakeholders before proposing amendments aimed at simplifying compliance while maintaining high standards of patient safety and quality of care.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Convenor of the BJP Goa State Medical Cell, said that the discussions reflected the Cell’s commitment to supporting policy reforms that are practical, transparent, and patient-centric. He stated that simplifying regulatory procedures, strengthening the healthcare workforce, promoting preventive healthcare, and modernizing the regulatory framework would contribute significantly to improving healthcare delivery across Goa.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to work closely with the Government of Goa, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to translate these recommendations into actionable policy initiatives that benefit both healthcare providers and the people of Goa.