Manipal Hospital Goa Introduces Its First EBUS Facility for Advanced Diagnosis of Lung and Chest Diseases
Manipal Hospital Goa introduces a minimally invasive diagnostic technology to support lung cancer staging and the diagnosis of other lung and mediastinal conditions.
Panaji, Goa, October 10, 2026: Manipal Hospital Goa has introduced an Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) facility, marking an important development in the diagnosis of lung and chest diseases in Goa.
The launch event began with a welcome address by Dr. Stacie Fernandes, the event host , who welcomed the dignitaries and attendees. This was followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Dr John Muchahary, Dr Ashwini Colaco, Dr Uday Kakodkar, Dr Durga Lawande and Dr Pravin Bhat, marking the formal inauguration of the facility.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, said, “EBUS is an important tool and a modern diagnostic modality for diagnosing difficult cases of suspected lung cancer, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and lymphoma that require pathological confirmation. Since it is now available in Goa, patients will not have to travel outside the state, which involves the cost of travelling not only for the patient but also for the family, along with food, accommodation and other expenses. This will greatly help patients who require specialized investigations like EBUS.”
EBUS combines bronchoscopy, in which a thin, flexible tube is passed through the airways, with ultrasound imaging to locate lymph nodes and collect tissue samples from within the chest. The technique is particularly useful in diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as evaluating conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lymphoma and other disorders affecting the chest lymph nodes. In selected cases, it can reduce the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
Dr. Ashwini Collaco, Consultant Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital Goa , said, “Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) represents a significant advancement in modern respiratory medicine, enabling us to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes and obtain tissue samples through a minimally invasive procedure. It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, as well as in identifying a range of infectious and inflammatory conditions. The introduction of this advanced technology in Goa marks an important step forward in strengthening specialised pulmonary care, allowing patients to access sophisticated diagnostic facilities closer to home, without the need to travel outside the state.”
Dr. John Muchahary, Consultant Interventional Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Goa , said, “The introduction of EBUS is an important addition to Goa’s tertiary-care diagnostic infrastructure. It strengthens our ability to arrive at a definitive diagnosis through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, particularly in patients with suspected malignancy, unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy and complex thoracic diseases. This will further enhance the quality and efficiency of comprehensive care available to patients at Manipal Hospital Goa.”
Dr. Brizellda Dcunha, Consultant Pathologist, Manipal Hospital Goa, said, “EBUS TBNA is a minimally invasive technique that offers superior sensitivity and specificity over traditional imaging methods for diagnosing infection, inflammation or cancer, providing a bullseye diagnosis. With Rapid Onsite Evaluation (ROSE) we increase the diagnostic yield of the test, and the tissue material collected can be used for further specialised testing such as genetic testing for personalised treatment planning.”
Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Goa, said, “The launch of EBUS at Manipal Hospital Goa reaffirms our commitment to bringing advanced, minimally invasive diagnostics to Goa. This will ensure patients receive faster, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment without having to travel outside the state.”
Concluding the launch, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department, Manipal Hospital, Goa proposed a vote of thanks, acknowledging the hospital leadership, clinical teams and supporting departments whose efforts contributed to the introduction of the facility. He also recognised the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in expanding access to specialised diagnostic services for patients in Goa and the surrounding region.
The EBUS facility will strengthen collaboration among pulmonology, medical and radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and thoracic surgery teams, supporting accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with lung cancer and other complex chest conditions.
Its availability at Manipal Hospital Goa will expand access to minimally invasive diagnostics for patients across Goa and the wider Konkan region, from Kolhapur to Mangaluru, potentially reducing the need to travel outside the state for specialised diagnostic procedures.
