NATIONAL TRIBAL HEALTH CONCLAVE 2025 – EVENT

National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 – EVENT

NEWS: The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, showcasing the government's commitment to addressing tribal health challenges and improving their overall well-being.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

  • Significance: This conclave serves as a platform for policymakers, healthcare experts, and tribal representatives to discuss innovative solutions and strategies to enhance healthcare outcomes for tribal communities.

 

About Tribal Communities

  1. Rich Traditions and Culture:
    • Tribal communities in India have a unique cultural heritage, encompassing music, dance, art, folklore, and festivals that reflect their deep connection to nature and their ancestors.
    • These traditions are often passed down orally and form the backbone of their collective identity.
  2. Geographical Isolation:
    • Tribes predominantly reside in remote areas such as forests, hills, and other ecologically sensitive regions, which limit their interaction with mainstream society.
    • This isolation helps preserve their customs but also leads to limited access to modern amenities and services.
  3. Homogeneous and Self-Contained:
    • Tribal societies are often characterized by a homogenous social structure with strong community bonds and mutual support systems.
    • Their self-contained lifestyle allows them to sustain their traditional practices but also makes integration with non-tribal communities challenging.

 

Status of Tribes in India

  1. Historical Significance:
    • Tribes in India are among the oldest ethnological groups, often referred to as “Adivasis,” meaning the original inhabitants of the land.
    • They are custodians of ancient knowledge systems, sustainable practices, and indigenous art forms.
  2. Global Recognition:
    • The term "Adivasi" is recognized internationally, with organizations like the International Labour Organization classifying them as “indigenous peoples.”
    • This classification emphasizes their need for protection and recognition globally.
  3. Population Size:
    • India has the second-largest tribal population globally, comprising nearly 100 million people, according to the Census 2011.
    • Tribes constitute 8.9% of India’s total population, highlighting their significant demographic presence.
  4. Regional Settlement:
    • Northeastern States: Tribes here have distinct ethnic identities and are geographically isolated, leading to minimal integration with non-tribal communities.
    • Central and Southern Regions: Over 80% of India’s tribal population resides in these regions, often interacting with non-tribal communities, influencing their socio-economic dynamics.

Tribal people have been an integral part of Indian society since the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
 Tribal movements like the Khasi-Garo, Mizo, and Kol movements are significant chapters in India’s history and the struggle for independence.
1. Adivasi heroes like Gond Maharani Veer Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati, and the Bhils, who fought alongside Maharana Pratap, played vital roles in the freedom struggle.
 The Union Government declared November 15, 2021, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, recognizing the contribution of tribal communities to India’s freedom movement and nation-building.

 

Government Initiatives for Tribal Development

  1. TRIFED:
    • Established in 1987 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited) supports the marketing of tribal products like handicrafts and minor forest produce, enhancing tribal livelihoods.
  2. Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY):
    • This scheme focuses on developing basic infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and education, in villages with significant tribal populations, bridging the development gap.
  3. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN):
    • Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by improving their socio-economic conditions through focused interventions.
  4. National Tribal Health Conclave:
    • Jointly organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), this event is part of the broader Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which seeks to enhance healthcare delivery in tribal areas.
  5. National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission:
    • Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this mission aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder prevalent among tribal populations, by 2047 through widespread screening and treatment programs.
  6. Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology:
    • Established at AIIMS Delhi, this chair focuses on conducting advanced research on tribal health issues, particularly blood-related disorders, to develop targeted solutions.

The conclave featured in-depth sessions on:

  • Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Exploring telemedicine, mobile medical units, and capacity building.
  • Traditional Healers: Integrating indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream healthcare.
  • Nutrition and Adolescent Health: Addressing malnutrition, reproductive health, and traditional food practices.
  • Disease-Specific Interventions: Targeting sickle cell disease, addiction, and mental health.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing traditional lifestyles with improved health outcomes.

 

Objectives of the Training:

  1. Build capacity among healthcare professionals to effectively diagnose, treat, and counsel individuals and families affected by sickle cell anemia.
  2. Strengthen efforts toward community awareness and stigma reduction.
  3. Facilitate the adoption of innovative treatment approaches for improved patient outcomes.

 

This initiative underscores the Government of India’s commitment to addressing the healthcare challenges of tribal communities, particularly the burden of sickle cell anemia. By empowering healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills, the program aims to accelerate progress toward the goal of eliminating this genetic disorder and improving the quality of life for affected individuals and communities.

 

Expected Outcomes:

  1. A strategic roadmap for enhancing healthcare delivery in tribal regions.
  2. Integration of traditional healers and practices into formal healthcare systems.
  3. Nutrition-centric initiatives to combat malnutrition and promote adolescent health.
  4. Targeted interventions for managing rare diseases, addiction, and mental health issues.
  5. Strengthened public health infrastructure with community participation and technology integration.

 

Constitutional Provisions for Tribals

  1. Special Provisions:
    • The Indian Constitution includes specific provisions to safeguard tribal rights, promote their cultural preservation, and facilitate their socio-economic development.
  2. Funding Support:
    • Article 275(1) of the Constitution allocates funds to states for tribal welfare projects, ensuring adequate financial resources for their upliftment.

 

Challenges Faced by Tribals

  1. Economic and Social Disparities:
    • Tribes often live in poverty, with limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, perpetuating socio-economic inequalities.
  2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage:
    • The influx of modernization poses a threat to their traditional knowledge, languages, and practices, leading to cultural erosion.
  3. Discrimination and Representation:
    • Tribal communities frequently face discrimination and are underrepresented in decision-making processes, undermining their ability to protect their interests.
  4. Resource Exploitation:
    • Tribes face challenges in safeguarding their lands and natural resources from encroachment and exploitation by external entities.

 

Conclusion and Way Forward

  1. Recognition and Respect:
    • A deeper understanding and respect for tribal culture and heritage are essential to integrate their wisdom into national development policies.
  2. Participatory Approach:
    • Tribes should be actively involved in decision-making regarding their lands, resources, and developmental needs to ensure sustainable outcomes.
  3. Government Support:
    • Comprehensive policies focusing on healthcare, education, and infrastructure are vital to addressing their unique challenges and promoting their welfare.
  4. Healthcare Focus:
    • Enhancing healthcare delivery in tribal regions is crucial, with emphasis on addressing genetic disorders, nutrition, and accessibility to medical facilities.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2095264