HEALTH ISSUES FACED BY THE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups(hereinafter mentioned as the PVTGs) are groups within the scheduled tribes who are considered to be more vulnerable than the rest of the tribal population. PVTGs have distinctive culture and are geographically isolated. The Government has identified aroundseventy-five PVTGs in eighteen states and various measures are taken to protect them. The ministry of Tribal Welfare has issued certain criterions to identify the PVTGs, few of them are, pre agricultural technology, very low literacy level and declining population. Due to their socio-economic conditions and their isolated lifestyle PVTGs face various health and nutritional issues. Health, according to the world health organization is complete physical as well as mental wellbeing. Health and nutritional status of the PVTGs are very poor due to numerous factors. There is failure in accessing the beneficial measures provided by the government and there is also shortage of health care professionals in the remote areas. Lack of proper sanitation and pure water further leads to various diseases and infections. As they lack basic health education, some groups follow their own traditional healthcare practices which further aggravates the disease or the infection. Malnutrition is yet another challenge faced by the PVTGs, especially pregnant women and young children. It is pertinent to note that children develop anemia, goiter and other micronutrient deficiencies. The poor nutritional status of the pregnant mother results in birth defects and infant mortality. The concerned governments are undertaking various initiatives to guarantee equitable access to nutrition, health, sanitation and water to the PVTGs, yet the group faces numerous health issues. This Paper aims to analyse the various factors contributing to poor health status of the PVTGs and to suggest remedies to alleviate their health status.