Government Aims to Recognize One Lakh Tribal Healers
Government to formally recognize one lakh tribal healers as health partners.
Photo by The New York Public Library
The Union government is aiming to formally recognize one lakh tribal healers as partners in strengthening health services for tribal communities. This announcement was made at a capacity building event for tribal healers held by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in Hyderabad on Friday.
Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram urged State governments to explore market linkages and partnerships with FMCG and pharmaceutical companies to generate job opportunities in traditional medicine. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs also signed a memorandum of understanding with ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, to set up the first national tribal health observatory, known as the Bharat Tribal Health Observatory.
Key Facts
Target: Recognize one lakh tribal healers
Bharat Tribal Health Observatory: First national tribal health observatory
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Social Justice - Health, Education, Human Resources
GS Paper III: Economy - Inclusive Growth, Government Budgeting
Potential for questions on traditional knowledge systems, healthcare access, tribal development
Visual Insights
Tribal Population Distribution in India
This map highlights states with significant tribal populations, indicating areas where the initiative to recognize tribal healers will have the most impact. The size of the marker represents the approximate tribal population.
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More Information
Background
The recognition of traditional healers has deep roots in India's history and cultural landscape. Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani have been practiced for centuries, with tribal communities holding unique knowledge of local flora and fauna for medicinal purposes. Before the advent of modern medicine, these healers were the primary healthcare providers in many regions.
Colonial policies often marginalized these traditional practices, favoring Western medicine. Post-independence, there have been efforts to integrate traditional medicine into the national healthcare system, but challenges remain in standardization, validation, and recognition of tribal healers' expertise. The formal recognition of tribal healers is not just a health initiative but also a cultural preservation effort, acknowledging the value of indigenous knowledge systems.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there's been a growing emphasis on integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) has been actively promoting research and standardization of traditional practices. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential of traditional remedies, leading to increased interest and investment in this sector.
The establishment of the Bharat Tribal Health Observatory is a significant step towards creating a comprehensive database and research platform for tribal health issues. Future trends include greater collaboration between AYUSH practitioners and modern medicine doctors, increased funding for research on traditional remedies, and the development of standardized training programs for tribal healers to ensure quality and safety.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bharat Tribal Health Observatory: 1. It is an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 2. It aims to create a comprehensive database on tribal health indicators. 3. ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar is responsible for setting it up. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The Bharat Tribal Health Observatory aims to create a comprehensive database on tribal health. It is being set up by ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar. The initiative is under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. With reference to traditional medicine systems in India, consider the following statements: 1. Ayurveda originated during the Vedic period and emphasizes balancing the 'Tridoshas'. 2. Siddha medicine is primarily practiced in South India and focuses on the 'Pancha Boothas'. 3. Unani medicine is based on the principles of the four humors as propounded by Hippocrates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. Ayurveda focuses on Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Siddha on Pancha Boothas (earth, water, fire, air, ether), and Unani on the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile).
3. Which of the following initiatives is NOT directly related to the promotion of traditional medicine in India?
- A.National AYUSH Mission
- B.Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
- C.Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
- D.Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
Show Answer
Answer: C
PMJAY primarily focuses on providing health insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. While it may indirectly benefit users of traditional medicine, it is not directly focused on promoting traditional medicine systems. The other options are directly related to promoting traditional medicine.
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