Migration, Urbanization, and Tribal Livelihoods: Understanding the Impact on Health of the Chronically Poor of Ranchi District (Jharkhand).

This paper explores the complex interplay between migration, urbanization, and the health outcomes of chronically poor tribal communities in the Ranchi District of Jharkhand, India. As Tribal populations increasingly engage in rural-to-urban migration in search of livelihood opportunities, their traditional means of subsistence, social networks, and access to resources are disrupted, contributing to new forms of vulnerability.

The study examines how migration, affects the health of tribal individuals and households, particularly concerning malnutrition, access to healthcare, and mental well-being.

Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collected from migrant and non-migrant tribal households, this research investigates the health problems of migrant families in their origin places.

Additionally, the paper highlights the gendered dimensions of health impacts, on Adivasi women and children facing disproportionately high health risks due to their marginalized positions within the household and society.

Through a case study of the chronically poor in Ranchi, the study critically assesses the role of government policies, health infrastructure, and social safety nets in mitigating these health risks. It also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to policy interventions that address both the economic and health-related consequences of migration for tribal populations. The research highlights the stark disparity in healthcare access between migrant and non-migrant women and elderly, with migrant households often lacking adequate care, especially for wives and elderly women left behind when male members are away. This underscores the importance of securing poverty-related resources and enhancing economic support, as a techno-centric approach to health planning fails to address the root issues affecting the most vulnerable groups, necessitating stronger social sector interventions for healthcare accessibility and community well-being.