Tribal Health Research Unit

As per Census of India 2011, Scheduled Tribes Population numbers 104 million and constitutes 8.6% of the country’s total population. The Constitution of India recognizes the special status of the tribal communities and provides special protections ensured through distinct politico-administrative set up via Schedule V and VI of the Constitution. At present there are 705 different Scheduled Tribes in the country, with 90% of them living in rural areas. 169 districts in the country have ST population constituting more than 20 % of the population, and 809 blocks where the ST population is more than 50 percent.

It has been observed that tribal people have remained marginal, with poor health, unmet needs, and a poor provider: population ratio. The various factors attributed to poor tribal health outcomes in India are habitat, difficult terrain, ecologically variable niches, illiteracy, poverty, isolation, superstition and deforestation.

MANT has been implementing Mobile Medical Units (MMU) in Jalpaiguri and Uttar Dinajpur districts. In Jalpaiguri, it has been working in Rajganj, Matiali, Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri, Dhuguri, and Maynaguri blocks. While in Uttar Dinajpur, it is actively working in Islampur and Goalpokhar I blocks. CPHR provides monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and strategic support for these MMUs. CPHR is also involved in studies related to NCDs, health economics, and outcomes research focusing on tribal populations.

CPHR is designated as JBI Affiliate Centre for Evidence Synthesis and Evidence Implementation for Indigenous Health.