National Tribal Health Conclave:  Healthcare for Tribal Communities

General Studies Paper -1

Context: The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

About Tribal communities

• Tribal communities have rich traditions, cultures, and heritage, with unique lifestyles and customs.
• Tribes often live in geographical isolation and are more homogeneous and self-contained compared to non-tribal communities.

Status In India

• Tribes in India are considered to be one of the oldest ethnological groups, often referred to as “Adivasis” (original inhabitants).
• The term “Adivasi” is recognized internationally, with the International Labour Organization classifying them as “indigenous.”
• India has the second largest tribal population in the world, with nearly 100 million tribal people (Adivasis).
• As per the Census 2011, the tribal population constitutes about 8.9% of the total population in India.
• Settlement: Northeastern States are home to tribes with distinct ethnicity, and they are generally more isolated from mainstream society.
• More than 80% of India’s tribes live in the Central and Southern Regions:; these tribes have greater interaction with non-tribal communities compared to northeastern tribes.

Government Initiatives for Tribal Development:

• The Government of India has launched several initiatives to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.
• TRIFED : TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited)  was established in 1987 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to support tribal communities.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) aims to provide basic infrastructure in villages with a significant tribal population.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), launched in 2023, to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• National Tribal Health Conclave : It is organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW).
• It is part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aimed at improving the health and well-being of India’s tribal communities.
• National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eradicate sickle cell anemia by 2047.
• Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology established at AIIMS Delhi for research on tribal health.
• Constitutional Provisions for Tribals: The Indian Constitution includes special provisions for the protection of tribal communities, their culture, and development.
• Funds are allocated to states under Article 275(1) of the Constitution to promote tribal welfare and development.

Challenges:

• Indian tribal communities face several challenges, including preserving their cultural heritage, addressing economic and social disparities, and protecting their rights and resources.
• Many tribes face poverty, limited access to education, healthcare, and unemployment.
• Discrimination, lack of representation in decision-making, and loss of traditional knowledge further exacerbate their vulnerabilities.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Tribal areas are largely underdeveloped and home to a significant portion of India’s population.
• To promote their well-being, it is essential to respect and understand their cultural heritage, recognize their traditional knowledge and practices, and involve them in decisions regarding their lands and resources.
• Government policies and initiatives are crucial for addressing these challenges and preserving their unique cultural identity.
• And a comprehensive plan is needed to enhance healthcare delivery in tribal regions, addressing their unique challenges.