The Government of Goa, through its Public Health Department and Goa Medical College (GMC), has partnered with the Swiss Foundation, GICAM (Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main), to set up a world-class Hand Surgery Unit (HSU) and a Centre of Excellence in Hand Care at the Super Speciality Block of GMC. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step forward in specialized healthcare for Goa.
GICAM, based in Lugano, Switzerland, is renowned for its expertise in hand surgery, orthopaedics, and reconstructive microsurgery. The partnership kicked off with the successful completion of Phase I, which involved an eight-day surgical camp from August 9th to 17th. During this camp, 74 cases were examined, and 17 complex hand surgeries were performed. The event showcased a strong exchange of knowledge and skills, with the camp offering a comprehensive range of services including consultations, daycare, inpatient procedures, and rehabilitation therapies like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and workshops on orthotics and prosthetics.
The GICAM team, led by Dr. Philippe Cuenod from Geneva, included expert surgeons, scrub nurses, and hand therapists from Switzerland. Their expertise, combined with the facilities and personnel at GMC, demonstrated the powerful potential of this joint venture.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Government of Goa, GICAM Foundation, and Goa Medical College, represented by the Department of Orthopaedics and the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns. Dr. S. M. Bandekar, Dean of GMC and Head of Orthopaedics, serves as the Nodal Officer of the Unit. Prof. Marco Lanzetta Bertani, Founder and President of GICAM, along with the Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns at GMC, are key members of this collaboration.
The Hand Surgery Unit will address both elective and emergency cases related to hand and upper limb conditions. It will feature an Out-Patient Clinic, an inpatient care area with a Rehabilitation Unit, and dedicated Operation Theatres. The Department of Orthopaedics will focus on bone-related issues of the upper limb, while the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns will manage soft tissue and hand structure cases.
Following the success of this initial camp, the partnership with GICAM will continue, with the next camp scheduled for February next year. Founded in 1998, GICAM is dedicated to humanitarian programs in hand surgery, focusing on providing surgical care and training in regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America. Since 2016, GICAM has made a significant impact in Jamkhed, India, improving the quality of life for those affected by burns and hand deformities.
This ongoing collaboration promises to elevate the standards of hand care and reconstructive surgery in Goa, offering advanced medical services and training opportunities to healthcare professionals in the region.
