Panaji: Goa spent Rs 1,527 crore on public health in 2022-23, channelling resources into a population of around 15-16 lakh, according to the National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates released by the Union ministry of health and family welfare. The data reveals that the state spent Rs 7,635 on health care per person, nearly three times the national average of Rs 2,786.
Fiscal Prioritisation of Health
The coastal state devoted 8.3% of its total government expenditure to health, well above the national average of 4.89%. This indicates that health holds a higher priority within Goa’s fiscal calculations than it does for most states. Furthermore, Goa government’s health care expenditure stood at 1.6% of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), marginally above the national ratio of 1.48%.
Comparison with Sikkim
Compared to Sikkim, a state of comparable population, Goa holds a narrow lead on per capita government health expenditure with Rs 7,635 versus Rs 7,400 of Sikkim. However, Sikkim edges ahead marginally on fiscal effort, allocating 1.7% of its GSDP to health against Goa’s 1.6%.
Health Insurance Expenditure
Where Goa shows a notable gap is in government-backed health insurance. Its two state schemes — the Swarnajayanti Arogya Bima scheme spent just Rs 2 crore to cover the healthcare needs of local residents, while the Deen Dayal Swasthaya Seva Yojana saw spending of Rs 42 crore on medical treatment of locals. The modest total expenditure of Rs 44 crore is a fraction of what comparable states deploy on medical insurance schemes.
National Trends
Meanwhile, India’s out-of-pocket expenditure has fallen from 64.2% of total health expenditure in 2013-14 to 43.4% in 2022-23, reflecting a decade of rising public health investment. This decline indicates a shift towards greater government funding and reduced financial burden on individuals.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026. You can also check: Gold Rate in Goa | Silver Rate in Goa | Bank Holidays in Goa | Public Holidays in Goa | Petrol Price in Goa.
