HEALTH STATUS OF PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS OF KARNATAKA, INDIA:A CRITICAL OUTLOOK

In India, tribal communities in general and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in particular are considered most vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged groups both in terms of socioeconomic, education and health development. They are also more prone to ill-health conditions and diseases. The historical neglect of the tribal groups is considered a major cause behind the marginalisation of many tribal communities in India both within colonial regimes and after. As various plans and developmental initiatives implemented, it has not changed the lives of primitive tribals as evident from the existing vulnerability among the PVTGs. On the above background the present paper broadly looks into the health status of scheduled tribes in general and PVTGs of Karnataka in particular. It also covers the major determining factors to the increased disease burden and the availability of health care infrastructure facilities in and around the tribal areas in Karnataka.