A shocking revelation from The Economic Survey 2024-25 exposes Goa's dual health emergency - skyrocketing lifestyle disease deaths and worsening infant mortality rates

Goa, India's coastal paradise, is confronting a silent crisis as the latest Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals a troubling surge in fatal diseases and stagnating population growth. The state's projected population for 2025 stands at 15.96 lakh, a marginal increase from 15.87 lakh the previous year, highlighting a significant deceleration in growth. More alarmingly, non-communicable diseases such as heart ailments, cancers, and diabetes now account for a staggering 47.44 per cent of natural deaths in the state.

The death rate has seen a slight uptick, rising from 9.40 per thousand in 2022 to 9.50 per thousand in 2023. This increase underscores the growing health challenges faced by the state's residents. The survey details that of these natural deaths, 42.33 per cent are males and an alarming 54.46 per cent are females, indicating a pronounced vulnerability among women.

Compounding these concerns is the deterioration in the state's infant mortality rate. In 2023, Goa recorded 10.73 infant deaths per thousand live births, a significant rise from 8.83 in 2022. This reversal in progress raises urgent questions about maternal and child health services in the region.

While natural causes dominate the mortality landscape, unnatural deaths constitute 6.15 per cent of the total. These include fatalities from drowning, animal bites, accidental burns, poisoning, road accidents, and suicides. Such incidents highlight the need for enhanced safety measures and mental health support systems within the state.

The stagnation in population growth is another pressing concern. The natural population growth rate has been on a consistent decline over the past decades, plummeting from an average annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent in 1971 to a mere 0.4 per cent in 2024. Projections indicate that this rate will remain at 0.4 per cent until 2036, posing potential challenges for the state's workforce and economic sustainability.

These revelations call for immediate and comprehensive action. Public health initiatives must prioritize the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, with a focus on lifestyle modifications, early detection, and accessible treatment options. The healthcare infrastructure needs to be bolstered to address the rising infant mortality rate, ensuring that maternal and child health services are both effective and widely available.

Furthermore, addressing the causes of unnatural deaths requires a multifaceted approach, including improved safety regulations, public awareness campaigns, and robust mental health support. The declining population growth rate also necessitates policies aimed at sustaining a balanced demographic structure to support the state's economic and social frameworks.

Goa stands at a critical juncture. The idyllic beaches and vibrant culture mask an underlying health crisis that demands immediate attention. By acknowledging these challenges and implementing targeted interventions, Goa can pave the way toward a healthier and more sustainable future for its residents.