New Delhi: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), organized the National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 on January 20, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This significant event, under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, aimed to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by India’s tribal communities.
Focus on Tribal Healthcare Challenges
India’s tribal populations often encounter unique healthcare barriers, including geographical isolation, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and cultural practices, leading to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The conclave highlighted the government’s dedicated efforts to bridge these gaps through targeted policies and innovative solutions.
Major Initiatives and Key Highlights
- National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission:
- Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this mission aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047.
- Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology:
- Established at AIIMS Delhi, this chair focuses on multidisciplinary research and data collection on tribal health.
- Centres of Competence (CoC):
- Fifteen CoCs have been established across 14 states for advanced and prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell anemia, a condition prevalent in tribal communities.
- Collaborative Approach:
- MoTA is working with various ministries, AIIMS, CoCs, ICMR, UN agencies, NGOs, and state departments to deliver comprehensive healthcare to tribal populations.
Objectives of the Conclave
- Explore innovative healthcare models tailored for tribal areas.
- Identify policy priorities and research areas.
- Develop culturally sensitive health strategies to promote health-seeking behavior.
- Strengthen healthcare systems through community engagement, capacity building, and effective monitoring.
- Create an actionable roadmap to enhance healthcare outcomes in tribal regions.
Stakeholder Participation
The conclave witnessed participation from key ministries, state officials, NHM representatives, AIIMS directors, tribal health experts, and international agencies. Discussions focused on actionable research, policy interventions, and community-centric approaches to improve healthcare delivery for tribal communities.
The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 marks a pivotal step in ensuring holistic health and well-being for India’s tribal populations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable healthcare.
