North Goa, India

North Goa, spanning 1,736 square kilometres, is one of two districts in the state of Goa, India.

According to the Census of India (2011), the district has a population of 1,458,545 and a high literacy rate of 89.57%. Urban residents account for 60.28% of the population, while 39.72% live in rural areas, reflecting a dynamic mix of traditional and urban lifestyles. Children aged 0-6 years number 77,705, comprising 9.5% of the total population.

Healthcare

The district’s public healthcare network includes primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), sub-centres and a major tertiary facility – Goa Medical College in Bambolim.

The Directorate of Health Services oversees healthcare delivery, offering immunisation, maternal and child health services, and nutrition programmes.

Culture, economy and politics

Socially, the coastal areas of North Goa are influenced by its Portuguese colonial heritage, visible in its architecture, culture, and multilingual communities. The local economy is largely driven by tourism, supported by agriculture (notably rice, cashew and coconut), small-scale industries and services.

Politically, the district is divided into six talukas (subdistricts) and is represented by 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and one Member of Parliament (MP), with active local governance through Panchayati Raj institutions.

More about NAMASTE’s work in Goa

NAMASTE’s activities in Goa are led by Sangath, which adopts an integrated, participatory approach to mental health. Sangath partners with communities, health systems, and individuals to collaboratively design and deliver support at every stage of life. In Goa, the programme has a collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services and the Department of Women and Child Development.

See more information on the Sangath website.