Diminishing traditional methods and inaccessible modern healthcare: the dilemma of tribal health in India

PurposeThis paper critically examines the state of tribal health in India by analyzing the accessibility and availability of traditional medicine and modern healthcare.Design/methodology/approachThis essay is the product of an extensive review of the literature and authors' personal experience in working with the tribal communities.FindingsThe traditional medicinal practices once very prevalent among the tribal communities are diminishing due to various socio-economic, environmental and political factors. Modern healthcare in India's tribal region is characterized by a lack of availability, accessibility and affordability. As a result of the diminishing traditional practices and inaccessible modern healthcare provisions, tribal communities depend on quacks and magico-religious practices.Originality/valueThis essay advocates for urgent policy interventions to integrate traditional medicine and modern healthcare practices to address critical tribal health issues. Preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge-base and improving research in the field have the potential to address the health of tribal communities and of others. The accessibility and availability of modern healthcare facilities in tribal regions should be improved to ensure better health outcomes.