National Tribal Health Conclave 2025: Pioneering Holistic Healthcare for Tribal Communities

Collaborative Efforts by MoTA and MoH&FW Address Tribal Health Disparities Through Innovative Policies and Initiatives.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), hosted the National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 on January 20, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This landmark event, part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing critical health disparities in India’s tribal regions.

India’s tribal populations face significant healthcare challenges, including geographical isolation, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and cultural barriers. Recognizing these issues, the government has launched multiple initiatives to bridge the healthcare gap and improve health outcomes.

Key programs include the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which targets the eradication of sickle cell anemia by 2047. Complementary initiatives under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan focus on holistic health solutions for tribal communities.

Key Healthcare Initiatives

1. Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology:

   • Established at AIIMS Delhi to facilitate interdisciplinary research and data analysis on tribal health challenges.

2. Centres of Competence (CoCs):

   • 15 CoCs have been sanctioned across 14 states to enable advanced and prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.

3. Collaborative Framework:

   • Partnerships between MoTA, MoH&FW, MoAYUSH, AIIMS, NHM, and international organizations like UN agencies aim to enhance healthcare delivery.

Highlights of the Inaugural Session

Union Minister Shri Jual Oram inaugurated the conclave, accompanied by MoS (TA) Shri Durgadas Uikey, Secretary of Tribal Affairs Shri Vibhu Nayar, and AIIMS Delhi Director Prof. (Dr.) M. Srinivas.

Over 400 participants attended, including directors of various AIIMS institutions, tribal health experts, and senior government officials. During the session:

• Letters of Intent were exchanged between MoTA and AIIMS Delhi for adopting a tribal block in Odisha to conduct research and capacity-building initiatives.
• Collaborative discussions emphasized innovative healthcare delivery models and integrating indigenous practices into formal healthcare systems.

Focused Thematic Sessions

The conclave featured in-depth discussions on key themes, including:

• Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Exploring telemedicine, mobile medical units, and technology-driven solutions.
• Integrating Traditional Healers: Incorporating indigenous knowledge into mainstream healthcare.
• Nutrition and Adolescent Health: Addressing malnutrition and promoting traditional diets.
• Targeted Interventions: Focusing on sickle cell disease, addiction, and mental health.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing traditional lifestyles with improved health outcomes.

Expected Outcomes

The conclave is expected to deliver:

1. A comprehensive roadmap to strengthen healthcare in tribal regions.
2. Integration of traditional healers into formal healthcare frameworks.
3. Targeted nutrition programs addressing malnutrition and adolescent health.
4. Focused interventions for managing rare diseases, addiction, and mental health.
5. Community-driven healthcare models leveraging technology and cultural insights.

Way Forward

The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 underscores the Government of India’s commitment to empowering tribal communities through sustainable, inclusive healthcare solutions. This initiative aims to create a healthier future for tribal populations while preserving their rich cultural heritage, reinforcing India’s vision of a holistic and inclusive development model.

By fostering innovation, collaboration, and cultural integration, the conclave has laid a strong foundation for achieving equitable healthcare for all tribal communities across India.