CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT HEALTH SCHEMES IN TRIBAL AREAS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Author Name: 1. Kanika Verma, 2. Namita Pathak Ghorpade, 3. Rupali Prakash Shinde, 4. Harshada Joshi Inamadr, 5. Dr. Vishal Alvert, 6. Dr. Sunil Malhar Kulkarni

Volume/Issue: 06/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2025-28387497/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. M.Sc. Nursing Student, Chinmaya Advance Research Institute, CARE college of Nursing, Bahadrabaad, Haridwar, UK, India.
2. Professor, HOD—-Community Health Nursing, Sadhu Vaswani College of Nursing, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
3. Assistant Professor, Sadhu Vaswani College of Nursing, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
4. Nursing Tutor, MGM College of Nursing, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
5. Principal, Chiranjeev Nursing Institute Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
6. Professor, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, College of Nursing, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

ABSTRACT

India’s tribal population, comprising over 8.6% of the national demographic, continues to face severe health disparities despite numerous government interventions. Schemes such as the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat, and the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) have been launched to address these disparities; however, their implementation in tribal areas remains suboptimal. This review article critically examines the multifaceted challenges impeding the effective delivery of these health programs in tribal regions. Key barriers identified include poor infrastructure, geographical isolation, shortage of trained healthcare professionals, socio-cultural mismatches, language barriers, and weak administrative coordination. Additionally, economic deprivation and low literacy levels among tribal communities exacerbate these challenges. The review draws on findings from recent studies, government reports, and case analyses from various Indian states to highlight systemic gaps and operational inefficiencies. It further discusses the need for culturally sensitive health interventions, strengthened rural health infrastructure, enhanced community participation, and improved intersectoral coordination. The article concludes that to ensure equitable healthcare delivery, it is essential to adopt a holistic, community-driven approach that acknowledges tribal-specific contexts. Bridging the implementation gap in government health schemes is vital to achieving universal health coverage and reducing the health inequities faced by India’s tribal populations.

Key words: Tribal health, Government schemes, Health disparities, Rural healthcare, Implementation barriers, India