Awareness of access to health care: a significant need of the Narikuravar people, India

Introduction:To examine access to health care among the Narikuravar community and identify distinct challenges for delivering existing healthcare resources, a mixed-methods study was conducted among local Narikuravar community people in Poonjeri village, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods: Data were collected from 81 Narikuravar individuals using a structured questionnaire describing demographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviour and the availability of government-issued healthcare cards.Qualitative one-on-one interviews were conducted.Content analysis of the transcribed data was performed to achieve a deeper insight into determinants of healthcare access.Results: Most participants (82%) had no knowledge of the processes required for procuring healthcare services and privileges.They demonstrated significant hospital utilisation, with a majority (58%) having recently visited a hospital.There was 100% attendance for child and maternal immunisation.Despite their remarkably low incomes, which typically did not require a tax card, 76% of the individuals were issued one.However, 77% lacked a government-issued free healthcare card.This financial constraint limited their access to needed healthcare services. Conclusion:In spite of the Narikuravar people's significant hospital utilisation and 100% immunisation attendance, this study indicates a persistent lack of awareness about how to access free health care for other conditions, which contributes to widening disparities in health outcomes.This gap, potentially magnified by historical marginalisation, underscores the need for targeted interventions.Improving health literacy and raising knowledge of available services through collaborative efforts with the Narikuravar people is an essential step toward ensuring equitable access to health care for all.