Goa has taken an important step toward community-based health delivery with the inauguration of the Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir (UAAM) at Malbhat, Margao. The initiative, led by Health Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane, is focused on bringing essential primary medical services directly to citizens, reducing the need to travel to major hospitals for routine healthcare needs. The centre marks a shift toward preventive and promotive healthcare, ensuring that families receive early diagnosis, regular screenings and basic treatment close to home.
Healthcare That Reaches People Where They Live
Vishwajit Rane emphasised that healthcare must not be confined to large medical institutions alone. The UAAM network is designed so that citizens have a first point of medical contact within their own locality. The centre will provide outpatient care, immunisation, maternal and child health services, wellness checks and basic diagnostics. This citizen-centric approach ensures timely medical advice and intervention, particularly for children, senior citizens and vulnerable groups.
Reducing Pressure on Major Hospitals
Many patients visit district hospitals for conditions that can be treated at the primary-care level. With centres like the UAAM becoming operational, these cases can now be handled locally, reducing overcrowding in tertiary hospitals. The initiative strengthens the referral system, allowing higher-level hospitals to focus on critical and specialised care, while community centres address routine cases effectively.
Preventive Care as a State Priority
Goa’s health department has placed a strong emphasis on prevention rather than late-stage treatment. The UAAM will conduct regular check-ups for blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia and other lifestyle-related conditions, enabling early detection. According to the Health Minister, early identification helps families manage health concerns before they become serious, saving time, cost and risk for patients.
Making Healthcare Accessible and Affordable
The Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir aligns with the goal of ensuring that every Goan family has access to essential medical services without financial burden. By offering free or low-cost primary care and immunisation services, the model supports households that rely heavily on government healthcare. The location of centres within neighbourhoods and municipal limits ensures that healthcare is accessible even to those who struggle with travel.
A Model for Future Community Health Infrastructure
With the opening of the UAAM in Margao, Vishwajit Rane reiterated that strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure is essential for long-term public health improvement. The network of such centres will support health outreach, awareness programmes and vaccination drives, making preventive healthcare part of everyday life. The initiative reflects a commitment to a healthier Goa where treatment is not the only focus—wellness and early detection are equally prioritised.
The Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir marks a decisive shift toward citizen-friendly healthcare, ensuring that medical help is not far from any household. By bringing primary care closer to people, the state continues to build a stronger, more inclusive health system.
