Govt pushes for Goa’s integrative oncology model

Panaji: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) Goa hosted its second stakeholder meeting on integrative oncology at Dhargal, bringing together experts in Ayurveda and modern medicine to create a framework for integrative cancer care in India.Chief minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the need for an “Integrative Oncology Mission” and outlined the state’s vision, policy direction, and institutional support for advancing integrative oncology through the Goa model.Arun Kumar Mishra, secretary (Health), emphasised the importance of strengthening the field of integrative oncology. Mishra assured the full cooperation and support of govt for this initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance patient care and make Goa a model for holistic cancer treatment.Deliberations spanned initiatives like collaborative clinical research and digital integration led by ACTREC Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai and presented by Dr Vikram Gota. The ongoing Ayurveda initiatives, oncology infrastructure readiness, and implementation plan at AIIA Goa, outlined by Dr Sujata Kadam, emphasised an integrative approach to cancer care.Dr Anura Bale, principal of Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre, highlighted medicinal plant cultivation strategies aligned with programme objectives.

Meanwhile, Dr Shekhar Salkar, senior oncologist, Goa, discussed the feasibility of a joint tumour board integrating AYUSH and modern oncology from the GMC and expert doctors from the ACTREC Tata Memorial Centre.The session featured Dr Devdutt M. Sail presenting the National Integrative Oncology Grid concept, highlighting research mapping and protocol standardisation. The deliberations were followed by open discussions, committee formation, protocol finalisation, and an AIIA Dhargal audit by ACTREC, directorate of health services, and GMC.