Taking a major step towards strengthening evidence-based healthcare and disease prevention, the Government of Goa today launched the Goa CARES: Longitudinal Cohort Study 2025. The initiative was formally launched through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Government of Goa, and the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology (CCE), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, at GST Bhavan, Panaji.
The Goa CARES study is among the most ambitious health research projects undertaken in the State. The initiative seeks to generate valuable evidence on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disorders and cancer. The findings are expected to support informed policymaking and strengthen long-term strategies for improving public health outcomes.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant described the occasion as a historic moment in Goa’s health journey. He said the Goa CARES study, which will follow nearly one lakh adults over a period of ten years, will help strengthen Goa’s preventive healthcare framework by enabling a deeper understanding of lifestyle-related diseases and their risk factors. Congratulating the Directorate of Health Services, Tata Memorial Centre and the University of Oxford, he lauded the institutions, doctors, researchers and healthcare professionals associated with this landmark collaboration.
CM Dr. Sawant said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to preventive healthcare, scientific research and evidence-based policymaking. He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, healthcare in India is increasingly moving towards prevention, early detection and wellness-driven approaches.
Referring to initiatives such as Checked by Doctor and Health with Ayurveda, he noted that Goa is actively encouraging awareness on healthy living and overall well-being. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute towards building a healthier, stronger and future-ready Goa.
The project assumes particular significance at a time when non-communicable diseases account for a substantial share of the disease burden in the State. By examining the influence of lifestyle, environmental, genetic and socio-economic factors over an extended period, it is expected to generate valuable evidence that can support future interventions and strengthen health planning across Goa.
The ceremony was attended by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Director of Health Services Dr. Rupa Naik, Dr. Rajesh Dikshit of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, senior doctors, health officials and officers, while representatives of the University of Oxford joined the programme virtually through video conferencing.
