Dr Shekhar Salkar

06/08/2025

“Happy 98th birthday, Kaka(my dad we use to call him kaka)
Your selflessness and love have inspired us all. We'll miss you dearly, but your legacy lives on through us."
“My father would have been 98 today. I'm still getting used to not having him around, but I'm grateful for the time we had together."

- *"Death ends a life, not a relationship."* - Robert Benchley

03/08/2025

Paid floral tributes to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his birth anniversary at the Secretariat Complex.
A pioneer of India’s freedom struggle, his ideals of Swaraj and nationalism continue to inspire us all.

28/07/2025

🌍 World Hepatitis Day Observed at Bicholim Municipality

📍 Bicholim | July 28, 2025

To mark World Hepatitis Day, a special health awareness and screening camp was held at the BMC Hall in Bicholim, dedicated especially to safai kamgar and garbage collection workers.

The event was jointly organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bicholim Branch, Bicholim Municipality, the State Unit of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, and the Community Health Centre (CHC), Bicholim.

The initiative focused on raising awareness and providing free screening for Hepatitis B and C among safai kamgar and other municipal staff. Participants were educated about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early detection of hepatitis.

The camp was inaugurated by Chairperson Shri Vijaykumar Natekar in the presence of several dignitaries:

Dr. Medha Salkar, State Program Officer for Hepatitis

Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President, IMA Bicholim

Dr. Kaustubh Patnekar

Vice Chairperson Deepa Pal

Shri Rajaram Goankar

Mrs. Deepa Shirgaonkar

Mrs. Sukhda Teli

Adv. Aparna Foguery

Mrs. Ranjana Waingankar

Shri Sudan Govekar

Shri Riyaz Baig

Chairperson Shri Natekar urged all municipal staff to take full advantage of such health initiatives. Dr. Medha Salkar specifically advised safai kamgar to prioritize their health and take precautions while handling waste.

Dr. Shekhar Salkar personally engaged with the workers and motivated them to undergo screening. The programme saw active support from municipal councillors, who helped mobilize staff and ensured smooth ex*****on of the event.

Hepatitis Awareness Team:

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Medha Salkar – State Nodal Officer

👨‍⚕️ Shekhar Arolkar

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Mrudul Naik

👩‍⚕️ Pooja Narvekar

👩‍⚕️ Neha Gundanwar

👩‍⚕️ Rashika Gaonkar

Additional Screenings:

The CHC Bicholim team also conducted screenings for diabetes and anemia:

👩‍⚕️ Sulochini Chandroji (EE, CHC Bicholim)

🧪 Balakrishna Sawant (Lab Technician)

Key Outcomes:

✅ 54 municipal workers were screened

📌 4 were found with high blood sugar

📌 3 were diagnosed with anemia

All individuals were advised to seek further medical attention. Hepatitis samples have been sent to Goa Medical College for laboratory testing.

👏 The event received an overwhelming response and reinforced the importance of regular health checkups and preventive screenings for frontline workers.

24/07/2025

*Date: 22nd July 2025*

*IMA Goa Bids Farewell to Hon’ble Governor Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai*

*The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Goa State*, had the honour of meeting *Hon’ble Governor Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai* today, to convey heartfelt gratitude and bid farewell as he concludes his remarkable and impactful tenure as the Governor of Goa.

*A consistent and compassionate supporter of the medical fraternity*, Hon’ble Governor Pillai has been instrumental in initiating and sustaining several public welfare programs during his term. He personally disbursed financial assistance to hundreds of cancer, dialysis, TB, and other chronically ill patients, *reaching the remotest parts of Goa under the Goa Gram Sampurna Yatra*—an initiative that stands as a testament to his vision of compassionate governance.

In a gesture deeply appreciated by the medical community, he also *handed over financial assistance to all IMA branches and the state leadership* to enhance healthcare support and care for the elderly population of Goa.
His contributions have also extended to old-age homes, orphanages, and the promotion of public health research and outreach programs across the state.

*A prolific author of over 200 books*, Hon’ble Governor Pillai shared a selection of his literary works with the IMA delegation during the farewell visit, underlining his commitment to knowledge, literature, and culture.

The IMA Goa expresses its sincere thanks for his visionary leadership, enduring empathy, and steadfast support to the healthcare community and the people of Goa.

_The following dignitaries were present during the farewell meeting:_
1. *Dr. Shekhar Salkar – Past President*, IMA Goa State; Joint Secretary, Goa Cancer Society
2. *Dr. Dattaram Desai – President*, IMA Goa State; Representative of DILASA
3. *Dr. Ruphino Monteiro – Past President*, IMA Goa State
4. *Dr. Medha Salkar – Past President*, IMA Goa State
5. *Dr. Dayanand Naiyan* – IMA Tiswadi
6. *Dr. Amol Tilve* – IMA Tiswadi
7. *Mr. Surender Prasad – Director*, Manipal Hospital Goa

*We remain grateful for the Hon’ble Governor’s enduring contribution and look forward to carrying forward his vision of inclusive and accessible healthcare.*

20/07/2025

19/7/25

In a continued commitment to enlightening the community about pressing health issues, Dr. Shekhar Salkar recently captivated an audience at the Dyanada Swatantraysenani Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Auditorium in Dilasa with a compelling lecture series focusing on the hazards of to***co use and the broader context of substance abuse. This enlightening session drew an impressive crowd of 125 participants, primarily comprising students and educators eager to delve deeper into this critical subject.

The focal point of Dr. Salkar’s discourse was the alarming rise in to***co consumption among adolescents, particularly illuminating the concerning trends surrounding both smoking and its smokeless counterparts. His insights shed light on a troubling reality: a growing number of adolescent females are exhibiting a heightened predisposition toward alcohol and to***co use compared to previous generations.

Several predisposition factors were explored during the lecture. Dr. Salkar emphasized the influence of family dynamics, where the presence of family members who smoke can significantly increase the likelihood of younger individuals succumbing to similar habits. Additionally, the pernicious effects of peer pressure became a key theme, with discussions illustrating how the desire to fit in can drive vulnerable teens toward smoking and substance use. Moreover, the powerful allure of celebrity culture, bolstered by advertisements on social media and in motion pictures, creates an environment where to***co use is increasingly normalized and even glamorized.

As the conversation evolved, Dr. Salkar connected the dots between smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse, underscoring the interconnectedness of these issues. He advocated for early identification of behavioral changes in young people, including shifts in their sense of style and social circles, as crucial indicators that could help avert the tragedy of addiction if addressed promptly and appropriately.

One of the most touching aspects of his presentation was the empowering message: while the challenges of quitting smoking may seem daunting, it is undeniably feasible for those who tackel the strength of their willpower. The custom of “no smoking is the best strategy” resonated throughout the auditorium, providing participants with hope and encouragement that lasting change is possible.
He also stressed that “Gate way to drugs is through Smoking”.
He also emphasise teachers to be proactive in early identification of stress in their students n refer them to counsellor who are now in every school.

In the wake of such a thought-provoking lecture, attendees left the auditorium more informed and motivated, ready to champion healthier choices within their communities and support one another in the fight against the dangerous allure of to***co and substance abuse. Dr. Salkar’s insightful discussions not only highlighted the pressing issues at hand but also ignited a spark of change among the youth and educators present, paving the way for a generation that is better equipped to resist the temptations of addiction.

Dr santosh Usgoakar
Chairman
Ima Ponda Charitable Trust

16/07/2025

Thrilled to announce the arrival of one of the most advanced robotic systems in the world at Manipal Hospital Goa for total and partial knee replacement.

-technology

11/07/2025

https://youtu.be/kAEi8cjzvKs?si=OnWMHEkIktvv64GX

|| While mobile phones have become an integral part of our lifestyle, we had neurosurgeon Dr Omkar Churi from Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula who enl...

10/07/2025

On this sacred day of Guru Poornima, I bow down to all my Gurus — my teachers, parents, and most humbly, my patients.

Yes, you read that right — my patients have been my greatest teachers. They have taught me the value of resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the silent wisdom in suffering.

I remember a young woman, just 27, battling Stage 3 breast cancer. After every chemo session, she would smile and ask, “Doctor, did the medicine smile back today?”
At first, I brushed it off, but one day I asked her what she meant.
She said, “If you believe the medicine is working with a smile, your body listens better.”
That was the day I learned attitude is as vital as the treatment.

To my professors who gave me the knowledge…
To my parents who shaped my values…
And to my patients who taught me how to truly heal —

I offer my deepest gratitude.

Happy Guru Poornima!
Let us all recognize and cherish the teachers in unexpected forms.

Dr shekhar salkar
Oncosurgeon
Chief
Depart of oncology

07/07/2025

Reflecting on Matoshri Padmini Day – A Day Dedicated to Health Awareness

It was a privilege to be invited as a speaker at the Matoshri Padmini Day event held on 5th July 2025 at Sai Nursing Institute, Sankhali, Goa. The event marked the birth anniversary of Matoshri Padmini P. Sawant and was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Mrs Sulakshana sawant president of Padmini Foundation,Shri Pandurang Kurtikar, Chairman, Sai Nursing Institute, mr santosh malik, madam Aditi desai , dr jyoti sawamt , dr sneha bhagwat n others!

As part of the program, I delivered a session titled “Awareness on Cancer”, with a focus on the theme “Early Diagnosis Saves Lives.” I emphasized how early detection can lead to almost normal life in over 95% of patients. Early diagnosis not only improves survival but also allows for organ preservation and significantly reduces the financial burden on families.

I also highlighted the support provided by the DDSSY scheme, which enables patients to access timely and affordable treatment. In contrast, the majority of treatment expenses arise in the advanced stages of cancer, when options are limited and outcomes are poorer.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where students and attendees engaged actively, asking relevant and thoughtful questions. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the future nursing workforce.

Overall, it was a meaningful experience to contribute to such an important cause, in the company of respected community leaders and health professionals. My sincere thanks to Sai Nursing Institute and the Padmini Foundation for organizing a well-curated and impactful event.

—
Dr. Shekhar Salkar
Surgical Oncology
Chief Depart of Oncology
Manipal Hospital, Goa

06/07/2025

A Moment of Gratitude on Doctors’ Day

On the occasion of Doctors’ Day this year, I was truly humbled and honoured to be felicitated by the Rotary Club of Bicholim with a memento in recognition of my contribution to the field of medicine. Sharing this moment with my wife, Dr. Medha Shekhar Salkar, who was also felicitated alongside me, made it all the more special and meaningful.

The beautifully organized event held on 3 rd July 2025, under the leadership of Rtn. Damodar S. Prabhu (President 2025–26) and Rtn. Dr. Jyoti S. Sawant (Secretary 2025–26) and Rtn. Adv Smita Mardolkar , a heartfelt reminder of the value of service and community appreciation. The recognition of our years of dedication and passionate service to our patients and society deeply moved us.

As doctors, we often work quietly behind the scenes, focused on healing and helping, and moments like these offer a rare pause — to reflect, to feel appreciated, and to recommit ourselves to the oath we took.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club of Bicholim for this honour, and I share this recognition with all my colleagues in the medical fraternity who continue to serve with dedication, especially in challenging times.

With gratitude,
Dr. Shekhar Shivram Salkar

06/07/2025

On the occasion of Smt. Padmini P. Sawant’s birth anniversary, Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant observed ‘Matoshri Padmini Day’ a heartfelt tribute to her life of compassion, humility, and selfless service. HCM informed that in her loving memory, the Padmini Foundation continues to advance causes close to her heart: women empowerment, education, healthcare, and rural welfare all aimed at building a more inclusive and caring society.

Hon cheif minister stated that a special highlight of the celebration was the Cancer Awareness Talk by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Oncologist at Manipal Hospital. He further said that this session emphasized the critical importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and preventive strategies, and was well-received by students and staff alike.

Hon chief minister felicitated Mr. Vishwas Mangaonkar, Mr. Sandeep Naik, Ms. Saeeli Naik for their outstanding contributions in service and dedication.

Chief minister emphasized that guided by Matoshri’s values of seva (service), samarpan (dedication), and karuna (compassion), we reaffirm our resolve to carry forward her legacy through meaningful action.