Tribal Health In India

Current News:- 

Healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities in India have come into focus. Despite India's remarkable achievements, such as emerging as the world's 5th-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.

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 5th 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.

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

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.

Constitutional Safeguards

Provisions to prohibit discrimination: Article 15 prohibit discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Similarly under Article 17 of the Indian constitution untouchability is abolished.

Equal Opportunities: 

Article 16 pertains to equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. Article 46 promotes educational and economic interests of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other weaker sections.

Safeguard of Tribal Interests:

Under Article 19 (5), while the rights of free movement and residence throughout the territory of India and of acquisition and disposition of property are guaranteed to every citizen, special restrictions may be imposed by the state for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe. 

For example state may impose restrictions on owning property by non tribals in tribal areas.

Minister In-Charge of Tribal Welfare:

Article 164 It provides for a Minister-in-charge of tribal welfare in the states of MP, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand. 

These states have substantial tribal populations and special provision of a Minister looking after tribal welfare is an evidence of the concern of the framers of the constitution for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes.

National Commission For Scheduled Tribes: 

As per Article 338-A of the Constitution of India, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been set-up to, inter-alia, investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law.

It also inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Tribes.  

Initiatives For Addressing Discrimination Against Scheduled Tribes

Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

In order to stop practice of untouchability the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 has been enacted. This Act provides assistance to the States and Union Territories for the implementation of the constitutional provisions for the Scheduled Tribes. 

It also provides funding for the states to assist victims of atrocities and for the provision of incentives for the creation of special courts, inter-caste marriages and awareness generation.

Scheduled Castes And The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

This act was enacted in order to prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. 

The act provides for Special Courts for the trial of such offences and for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of such offences and for matters connected.

Panchayats (Extension To The Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996

It was enacted in order to provide for the extension of the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to the Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas. 

Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006

The act was enacted to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations.