India, the world’s 5th-largest economy, has witnessed significant successes such as its strides in the global vaccination drive. However, a section of its population – the tribal communities continues to grapple with profound healthcare disparities. As we commemorate India@75, it is imperative to address these health inequalities urgently.
Demographic, Cultural and Constitutional Status of Tribal Communities
India’s tribal communities account for about 8.9% of the nation’s populace. Among these, around 2.5% of Scheduled Tribe population belongs to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), previously referred to as “Primitive Tribes”. These groups mainly reside in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, the Northeastern region, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These communities are culturally rich with unique languages, traditions, and health, education, and governance beliefs and practices. They coexist with nature, relying on forests and hills for survival. Some tribal communities are legally recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) under Article 342 of the Constitution of India, providing them with special provisions and protections for their social, economic, educational, and political development. Various laws and policies, including the 5th and 6th Scheduled areas and the Forest Rights Act 2006 safeguard their interests.
Despite this recognition, the tribal communities face numerous challenges including poverty, malnourishment, illiteracy, and limited access to infrastructure, employment, and human rights opportunities. Statistical evidence indicates that these communities lag behind the national average across multiple human development parameters.
Main Health Issues Faced by Tribal Communities
Prominent health issues plaguing the tribal communities include malnutrition, infectious and chronic diseases, and addictions. Due to inadequate access to quality food, many tribal people suffer from malnourishment, resulting in stunting, wasting, anemia, and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Infections such as malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, HIV/AIDS, and diarrhoea are common due to poor sanitation conditions and limited access to healthcare. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental health disorders are also prevalent, stemming from unhealthy habits like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse.
Challenges in Tribal Healthcare
The tribal healthcare system faces various infrastructural, human resource, geographic, financial, cultural, and service access challenges. The scarcity of healthcare centres, clean water, and sanitation facilities exacerbate the issue. A shortage of medical professionals coupled with the difficulty in accessing remote locations further hinders the provision of healthcare services. The situation is worsened by poor living conditions, language barriers, and the lack of awareness about available healthcare schemes and options.
Government’s Report on Tribal Health in India
In 2018, a joint committee from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs released the first comprehensive report on Tribal Health in India. This report offered several key recommendations such as implementation of Universal Health Assurance, utilization of Aarogya Mitra, introducing ST Health Cards, and establishment of a National Tribal Health Council to elevate tribal healthcare.
Way Forward
Overcoming the health disparities among tribal populations requires acknowledging the contributions of traditional healers, empowering communities through health literacy programs, recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in tribal regions, and improving road networks, transportation, and communication facilities. As India moves towards a more inclusive future, the focus must remain on achieving equitable access to quality healthcare for all sections of society, including its tribal communities.
