Centre targets recognition of 1 Lakh tribal healers

The Modi government has set an ambitious target to formally recognise and enable one lakh tribal healers as partners in strengthening health services for tribal communities across the country. The initiative aims to integrate traditional healing knowledge with the formal public health system, particularly in remote and forested tribal regions where access to modern healthcare remains limited. The information was shared by officials of the Tribal Affairs Ministry at the Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Healers on Strengthening Health Outreach in Tribal Areas in Hyderabad on January 16. As many as 400 tribal healers were in attendance. Under the plan, tribal healers, often the first point of care in their communities, will be trained to support preventive healthcare, early identification of diseases, health awareness, and timely referrals to government health facilities. The programme seeks to leverage the deep trust tribal healers command within their communities to improve outreach, disease surveillance and last-mile delivery of health services. The move is also expected to help preserve indigenous medical knowledge while ensuring it aligns with public health protocols. By formally recognising tribal healers, the government aims to create a culturally sensitive, community-driven healthcare ecosystem that addresses persistent health challenges among tribal populations.