Need for inclusive healthcare for the deprived elderly tribal population evidence from Wayanad in Kerala Gangadharan K.1, Kumar Sajith S2 1Project Director, IMPRESS Research Project, Professor and Head, Department of Economics, Kannur University, Kerala, India 2Research Associate, IMPRESS Research Project, Department of Economics, Kannur University, Kerala, India. JEL Code: I13, I15, I18 Online published on 30 May, 2021. Abstract Ageing is a natural phenomenon. The advancement in health technology and health care permitted a better life expectancy to the people. However, ageing comes with so many ailments and disabilities hinder people from enjoying the fruitfulness of higher life expectancy. Better life expectancy does not ensure better older life, so having good health even in the older ages must be the target of people in utilizing health care services. In this background the study analyses the socio, economic and health profile of elderly/greying tribal population; the most vulnerable section in terms of the socio-economic-health and political scenario; from Wayanad district of Kerala. The study identified that the level of dependence among the elderly/greying onthe family is very high and the rate of disease burden among them is a matter of concern. So there is the need for an earnest effort to improve their living condition and also toprovide basic healthcare facilities in the tribal hamlet itself including blood pressure check-up, diabetic testing, orthopaedic assistance, physiotherapy and also follow-up treatment facilities for the people who have undergone treatment for chronic illness from referral hospitals. The involvement of Government and other institutions to provide these facilities and promote their living standard is, therefore, the need of the hour to fulfil the objective of universal health coverage and inclusive health to all. Top Keywords Ageing, Greying elderly, Healthcare, Tribals.. Top |