CRF Canacona

CRF Canacona

The high prevalence of Kidney Diseases in Canacona Taluka of Goa was a matter of concern for the local people as well as administrators for over 20 years. Locals say that the erstwhile Portuguese rulers had brought down a team from Portugal to study the phenomenon some 50 years ago. However, no official records are available on the results of the study.

Several representations were received from time to time by the Directorate of Health Services, Goa, from the residents of Canacona suggesting that the cases of kidney diseases, especially among the Velip and Pagi communities, are higher than in other talukas of Goa.

During all these years, the question about the progress of the study was being raised in almost every session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

In March 2001, the Director of Health Services submitted a proposal to the Govt. of Goa for the constitution of a committee to study the problem. The Govt. of Goa requested the ICMR to conduct a resurvey. However, it was ultimately agreed that the initial study will be best conducted locally by DHS in collaboration with the GoaMedical College. Other agencies, local and national could be involved as and when required. Thus, a joint study was finally instituted in February 2002 on the following Terms of Reference:

1.     To confirm the existence of higher number of CRF cases in Canacona,

2.     To investigate the possible causes,

3.     To compare the problem in Canacona with other talukas,

4.     To suggest the possible remedial measures to be taken.

The Geological Survey of India was contacted to study minerals in drinking water in Canacona Taluka.

The department of Preventive and Social Medicine of Goa Medical College devised a proforma for collecting data on various kidney diseases from the Health Centres under DHS.

In June 2002, the DGHS, Govt. of India, sent a Central Team of scientists consisting of an Epidemiologist, a Nephrologist and a Microbiologist. They visited Canacona from 13^th to 17^th June 2002 to study the problem. Their Report suggested the following measures:-

1.     Nephrology Unit at GMC should be strengthened.

2.     Diagnostic facilities for routine as well as Kidney function tests should be established at CHC, Canacona.

3.     Long Term Studies should be undertaken to establish etiology of the disease and to plan Prevention and Control measures.

From August 2002, the study started getting a proper direction with frequent meetings of the constituted committee for planning and implementing the study.