Tribal Health in India | 25 May 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities in India have come into focus. Despite India's remarkable achievements, such as emerging as the world's 5^th-largest economy and its contribution to the global vaccination drive, tribal communities continue to experience significant healthcare disparities.

• As India celebrates its accomplishments at India@75, it is crucial to address the urgent need for equitable healthcare access for tribal communities.

What is the Status of Tribal Communities in India?

• Demographic Status:
  • Tribal communities in India constitute a significant portion of the country's population, accounting for approximately 8.9%.
    • Out of the total Schedule Tribe population, approximately 2.6 million (2.5%) belong to “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups” (PVTGs) known as the “Primitive Tribes” - the most disadvantaged of all the Schedule Tribe communities.
  • They are spread across various states, with higher concentrations in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, the NER states and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Cultural Status:
  • Tribal communities in India have their own rich and diverse culture, language, and traditions.
  • They have a symbiotic relationship with nature and depend on forests and hills for their livelihood.
    • They have their own beliefs, practices, and preferences regarding health, education, religion, and governance.
• Related Constitutional and Statutory Provisions:
  • Certain tribal communities in India are recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) under Article 342 of the Constitution of India.
    • They are entitled to special provisions and safeguards for their social, economic, educational, and political development.
  • Their interests are safeguarded by various laws and policies such as the 5^th and 6gh Scheduled areas, Forest Rights Act 2006, and the PESA Act 1996.
  • They also have representation in the Parliament and State Legislatures through reserved seats.
    • Draupadi Murmu is India's first tribal President.
• Developmental Status:
  • Tribal communities in India face multiple challenges and disadvantages in terms of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, health, employment, infrastructure, and human rights.
    • They lag behind the national average on various indicators of human development such as income, education, health, sanitation, and gender equality.
    • They also face discrimination, exploitation, displacement, and violence from non-tribal people and institutions. They have limited access to resources and opportunities for their empowerment and participation.

What are the Main Tribal Health Issues?

• Malnutrition:
  • Tribal people don’t get enough food or the right kind of food to stay healthy. They suffer from hunger, stunting, wasting, anemia, and lack of vitamins and minerals.
• Communicable Diseases:
  • Tribal people are more likely to catch infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, HIV/AIDS, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and diseases spread by insects or animals due to several factors like poor sanitation and hygiene, and limited access to healthcare.
• Non-Communicable Diseases:
  • Tribal people are also at risk of getting chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental disorders.
    • According to a study, about 13% of tribal adults have diabetes and 25% have high blood pressure.
• Addictions:
  • The above-mentioned diseases can be caused by factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse.
  • More than 72% tribal men 15–54 years of age use tobacco and more than 50% consume alcohol against 56% and 30% non-tribal men, respectively.

What are the Challenges in Tribal Health?

• Lack of Infrastructure:
  • Inadequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure in tribal areas.
  • Insufficient access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
• Shortage of Medical Professionals:
  • Limited presence of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals in tribal regions.
  • Difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled healthcare personnel in remote areas.
  • Imbalance in the distribution of healthcare professionals, with a concentration in urban areas.
• Connectivity and Geographic Barriers:
  • Remote locations and difficult terrain hinder access to healthcare services.
  • Lack of proper roads, transportation facilities, and communication networks.
  • Challenges in reaching tribal communities during emergencies and providing timely medical assistance.
• Affordability and Financial Constraints:
  • Limited financial resources and low-income levels among tribal communities.
  • Inability to afford healthcare expenses, including medical treatments, medicines, and diagnostics.
  • Lack of awareness about available healthcare schemes and insurance options.
• Cultural Sensitivities and Language Barriers:
  • Unique cultural practices and beliefs that impact healthcare-seeking behavior.
  • Language barriers between healthcare providers and tribal communities, leading to miscommunication and inadequate care.
  • Lack of culturally sensitive healthcare services that respect tribal customs and traditions.
• Limited Access to Essential Services:
  • Insufficient availability of essential healthcare services, such as maternal and child health, immunization, and preventive care.
  • Inadequate access to specialized care, diagnostic facilities, and emergency medical services.
  • Limited awareness about health issues, preventive measures, and healthcare rights among tribal communities.
• Inadequate Funding and Resource Allocation:
  • Limited allocation of funds for healthcare in tribal areas.
  • Insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and technology.
  • Lack of dedicated funding for addressing tribal health challenges and implementing targeted interventions.

Way Forward

• Addressing the disparity in health-seeking behavior and health-care delivery among tribal populations.
• Recognizing and acknowledging the services provided by traditional healers in tribal communities.
• Empowering tribal communities through health literacy programs to enable them to make informed decisions about their health.
• Implementing targeted recruitment and retention strategies to attract healthcare professionals to tribal regions. And Investing in the development of road networks, transportation facilities, and communication networks to enhance connectivity.

Source: IE