In a major healthcare initiative, the Bicholim Community Health Centre (CHC) has started offering free laser treatment for varicose veins, becoming the first government healthcare facility in Goa to provide the service at no cost. Announcing the initiative, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that while the treatment is available at Bicholim CHC free of charge, similar facilities are not currently offered free even at other government hospitals, including Goa Medical College. Under the programme, patients suffering from varicose veins can undergo screening every Thursday at the outpatient department (OPD), while follow-up procedures will be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays. The treatment uses advanced laser technology, eliminating the need for conventional surgery or hospital admission. According to the Chief Minister, patients previously had to spend up to Rs 80,000 for the treatment of a single affected vein in private healthcare facilities. Dr. Sawant urged people suffering from varicose veins to seek timely treatment, warning that delaying medical intervention could lead to serious complications. He appealed to eligible patients to avail themselves of the free facility at Bicholim CHC.