‘Psychiatry in Goa has changed tremendously’

By on September 17, 2014
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DR DARSHANA LAXMAN NAIK, Medical Officer, Hospicio Hospital, Margao has accomplished many firsts. She was the first Goan to be awarded prestigious Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Dr Ramchandra N Moorthy National Award for outstanding achievement in psychiatry and the only Goan to be awarded the ASIAN FEDERATION OF EARLY CAREER PSYCHIATRIST FELLOWSHIP by the Indian Global Psychiatric Initiative

While Dr Darshana Laxman Naik always knew she wanted to be a doctor, it wasn’t until she was in medical school that she realised psychiatry was her calling. When she started working as a psychiatrist nine years ago, she discovered that for most people, mental illnesses were the last possible cause, and that people would rather look to superstitious causes rather than medical ones. 

However, over the last five years, that trend has slowly changed thanks to increased awareness about mental illnesses. Dr Naik continues her selfless job as the Medical Officer at Hospicio Hospital, Margao, and as the Honorary Secretary of the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Ponda branch. 

She talks to VIVA GOA about practicing psychiatry in the state and how she believes Goans should play their part in representing their state both nationally and internationally

On receiving IMA’s national award 
It was a pleasant surprise when I got a call from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters, New Delhi, stating that I have received the prestigious  Dr Ramchandra N Moorthy National Award for outstanding achievement  in psychiatry. 

The award was presented at the  88th Annual National Conference of the IMA in Andhra Pradesh, making me the first Goan to receive this coveted award recognising my services towards the community. 

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.
Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.


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