Emerging thought leader Priya Limbu tells us why improving tribal health comes naturally to her.
‘I can relate to my study participants because I share the same traditions and customs that influence their health’
Priya is a Research Assistant at The George Institute who’s passionate about improving health outcomes for tribal populations in India. She works in the Assam Tribal Health Project that seeks to improve primary healthcare access for this community.
Tell us about your current work
I am part of a project to develop implementation strategies towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) among tribal populations in Assam – a state in the north-east part of India. Universal health coverage means providing everyone with access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. In our project we identify and address barriers to improving primary healthcare, so the services available for tribal people are accessible and of assured quality. For example, key health services such as all medicines and supplies, equipment for treatment, clean environment and safe drinking water facility, and emergency transport services that are often not available. Strategies to improve this are set at a community and health system level. I coordinate with district health officials, local non-government organizations and manage a field team. I am also involved in data collection, management, and analysis of the project.
What drew you to working in tribal health?
My interest in tribal health stems from where I come. I am from Arunachal Pradesh, one of the north-east states of India, a beautiful, mountainous, tribal-populated region. It was only when I left my state for further education that I realised how different healthcare services were in other regions - from antenatal care to managing common conditions.
We didn’t have a hospital close to our home and the roads that led to big hospitals were in dismal conditions. Hence, my understanding of tribal health began from home. I can relate to our study participants not only for their health services experience but also their traditions and customs that influence their health and decision-making.
Do you see learnings from your work in tribal health applicable elsewhere globally - for example in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health program in Australia?
To me, ‘Health for all’ means health care that is accessible, acceptable, affordable and makes space for community participation. Health services must cater to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in our society, so everyone benefits. When people are healthier, they are happier and more productive as individuals, as communities and as a society. In India, the tribal population is one of the most disadvantaged… so through this implementation research we are working with the highest, district level of health system to the most peripheral level, closest to the community, to improve service access and quality of care.
I believe similar challenges are faced by marginalised groups in other countries too so there is scope for cross-learnings between our work here and vice-versa to achieve better, more equitable outcomes.
What impact do you hope to achieve from your research?
Our work focuses on improving maternal health, prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension, and the optimum utilization of health and wellness centres by tribal populations in India. We raise awareness on the maternal health and prevention and management of non-communicable diseases specifically, diabetes and hypertension.
Advocacy and building health literacy are key to our work. We are working to improve understanding of options available, and health information sometimes competes with custom and tradition. Sometimes people only seek help after traditional practices haven’t worked, and sometimes that is too late. We are hoping more people will be able to answer if there is a health issue, what should a person do, where can they go to seek help? Our work will help answer these questions and change thinking, and remove barriers to timely, quality primary care.
I am hopeful that our work on informing and planning will address important gaps in providing care for tribal populations in India and our strategy will be integrated into the health system through advocacy.
What do you outside of work?
My hobbies and interests keep changing! I used to spend a lot of time gardening, reading and cooking. Recently I have started hiking and swimming. I am still a beginner, but I am enjoying both a great deal.
I also love spending time with my family and the silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic was opportunity to spend quality time with them after a long time.
