Improving the health of tribal people in India: Time to address health data poverty

Abstract

Tribal people remain marginalized and their health remains poorer than that of non-tribal people. Despite the progress made in the 75 yr since independence, infant mortality among tribal people is higher by 50 per cent and a very recent analysis shows that life expectancy at birth is shorter by 4-7 yr compared to that among non-tribal people^1,2. In the wake of the high number of deaths reported by the local news media among Pando tribal people in northern Chhattisgarh, we were asked by the public health department of the Surguja division to evaluate the causes of death and suggest interventions. Here, we share our experiences and challenges faced by us while conducting such an investigation.