Panaji: The directorate of health services (DHS) is working with the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation (AMF) to provide affordable diagnostic tests across the state, becoming the first state to do so. Chief minister Pramod Sawant made the announcement on Thursday after honouring noted scientist and innovator, Raghunath Mashelkar, with the Gomant Gaurav Sanman.“In a few days, the DHS will provide one test which within 10 minutes will test different parameters for just Rs 100. This will start from Goa. The DHS and Anjani Mashelkar Foundation have been in discussions on this for five to six months and in a few days, we will start this project,” said Sawant.Mashelkar started the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation in 2011 on the behest of his mother, whose last wish was to keep improving the lives of the disadvantaged.“Early diagnosis is very important. Our public health centres need strengthening across the country. Through the AffEx Health Platform, primary health centres will be able to test 20 parameters, measures in 10 minutes for just Rs 100,” said Mashelkar.Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the World Peace University, organised an event to bestow the Gomant Gaurav Sanman upon Mashelkar, who is a former director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Mashelkar dedicated the honour to his mother, who urged him to do science for the poor.Addressing the gathering, Sawant said that govt aims to transform Goa into a hub of knowledge and innovation by promoting research-driven industries, startups and entrepreneurship. Sawant said that the vision of the seven arrows outlined in the Goa Golden Jubilee Development Council’s Goa Vision 2035 report provides the holistic roadmap, one that balances economic progress with environmental responsibility and cultural preservation. The report was written under Mashelkar’s chairmanship.Sawant also announced that World Peace will commence courses from the coming academic year.
