Breaking the Cycle: Reforming Healthcare Access for Migrant Tea Workers in Wayanad, Kerala, India

This study examines the denial of fundamental healthcare access to migrant tea plantation workers in Wayanad, Kerala, focusing on their limited healthcare access. Although healthcare provisions exist, practical realities reveal significant barriers for these temporary workers. Originating from regions like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu with differing climates and cultural practices, these workers face abrupt changes in environment, diet, and living conditions. The climatic shift to Wayanad’s high-altitude, humid environment poses unique health challenges as their bodies struggle to adapt to the new temperatures, humidity levels, and exposure to local diseases. Due to their temporary status, these workers are ineligible for health coverage provided by plantation management, leaving them without formal medical support. Consequently, even primary medical care becomes unaffordable, leading to the neglect of minor health issues that can escalate into severe conditions. Even at hospitals, the language barrier restricts them from communicating with their doctor. Additionally, temporary employees are not entitled to paid leave, compelling them to work despite illness or injury. This lack of rest and recovery time exacerbates their health problems, reduces productivity, and heightens the risk of workplace accidents. To gain insights into this issue, interviews were conducted with 50 workers, managers and labour union representatives, providing a qualitative understanding of the labour rights dynamics in the tea plantation industry. The findings underscore the urgent need for reform, as migrant workers' access to healthcare remains severely constrained. Addressing these challenges necessitates immediate policy interventions to enhance healthcare accessibility, introduce medical coverage for temporary workers, and implement support mechanisms that account for the health risks associated with their migratory lifestyle. Such measures are crucial to safeguard the health and dignity of this vulnerable workforce while promoting sustainable labour practices in the plantation sector.