Strengthening Primary Health Care in Tribal Settings to Combat Non-communicable Diseases: Obstacles and Solutions

Abstract This Review article analyses the current landscape of primary healthcare targeting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in tribal India, highlighting the impact of these diseases and the challenges that hinder effective implementation in tribal settings. Some of the major obstacles in strengthening primary healthcare facilities in tribal settings are limited access to health infrastructure, shortage of trained healthcare personnel, inadequate screening and early detection, low health literacy and out-of-pocket expenses. However, PHC may be strengthened by implementing culturally sensitive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns using local languages and formats, community-based screening and health camps, training Accredited Social Health Activist, (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs) and PHC staff in NCDs screening, counselling, referral and upgrading infrastructure with diagnostic tools for NCDs. This paper also underscores the importance of a robust primary health care system to combat the growing burden of NCDs in rural and tribal settings, consequently promoting overall public health.