Bicholim Sub-District Hospital in Goa has begun offering free endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins, a specialised service inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday. The move makes advanced, minimally invasive vein care available at no cost to residents across the state and marks the first time such treatment has been offered in Goa’s public healthcare system.
Sawant said laser treatment for varicose veins was not previously available in any government hospital in the state and noted that even Goa Medical College does not provide the procedure free of charge. With the new service, Bicholim becomes the first public facility in Goa to offer laser therapy for varicose veins without patient fees.
A dedicated outpatient clinic for varicose vein patients will operate every Thursday under vascular surgeon Dr Rajaram Mahambrey, with follow-up consultations on Fridays and Saturdays. Laser procedures are scheduled in the hospital’s upgraded operation theatre every Tuesday. The state government, working with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and the Health Department, procured the laser equipment and upgraded theatre facilities to make the service operational. Sawant advised patients to register in advance and said the facility is open to all Goa residents regardless of where they live.
Explaining the procedure’s advantages, the Chief Minister described laser therapy as minimally invasive, requiring only a needle puncture instead of large incisions, and allowing same-day discharge after a few hours of observation. The service is expected to provide significant financial relief to patients who previously sought care in private hospitals, where the cost can be around ₹80,000 for treatment of a single vein.
Sawant cautioned that delaying treatment can lead to serious complications such as severe swelling, impaired mobility, gangrene and, in extreme cases, amputation. He said the Bicholim service was introduced following a proposal by Dr Mahambrey.
The Chief Minister framed the new offering as part of a broader effort to decentralise specialised healthcare. He highlighted that the Sanquelim Community Health Centre has performed nearly 1,000 cataract surgeries after setting up a dedicated ophthalmic operation theatre and that the Valpoi Community Health Centre has bolstered gynaecology services. Sawant also urged citizens to use the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, which now provides health insurance cover of up to ₹4 lakh for families of up to four members and ₹6 lakh for larger households, and encouraged preventive care, regular check-ups, wellness clinics and AYUSH services.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/goa/goas-first-free-laser-treatment-for-varicose-veins-launched-at-bicholim-hospital/59158/
Category: Goa,Bicholim Sub-District Hospital,CM Pramod Sawant,Free laser treatment,Healthcare system,Varicose veins
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Publish Date: 2026-07-30 19:06:00
