New Direction for Improving Health and Living Standards of Tribal Communities – Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Nagpur : Discussions on health issues faced by people in remote and marginalized tribal areas, and effective measures to address them, are always guiding factors. In this regard, the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has organized the global ‘FIST-2025’ international conference to facilitate broad discussions. Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed confidence that this international conference would provide a new direction for improving the health and living standards of tribal communities.

The international conference, aimed at addressing tribal health issues, is being held in Nagpur from January 31 to February 2, 2025, by Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur. The conference was inaugurated today by Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Tribal Development Minister Prof. Ashok Uike, MUHS Vice Chancellor Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd.), Director of AIIMS Nagpur Dr. Prashant Joshi, Conference Convenor Dr. Sanjeev Chaudhary, University Registrar Dr. Rajendra Bangal, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Tribal communities in remote areas face challenges like malnutrition, infectious diseases, and sickle cell disorders. During this three-day international conference, experts will provide guidance on various topics, which will surely benefit the future, as stated by Sawant.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts to empower tribal individuals through various schemes and initiatives have been underway for the past decade. Sawant expressed confidence that these schemes would receive further strength in the future.

Tribal Development Minister Prof. Ashok Uike also shared his thoughts. He mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is particularly focused on the comprehensive upliftment of the tribal community. Various schemes and initiatives are being implemented to this end, he added.

Thirteen districts in the state fall under the PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas)) Act, which includes 59 talukas. Tribal populations are present in constituencies across 41 districts. This community stretches from Palghar to Bhamragad. Prof. Uike mentioned that a meeting would be held next month between the Department of Tribal Development, MUHS, and AIIMS to discuss various topics raised during the conference and take necessary actions.

A video message from Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan was also shown at the event. In his message, the Governor wished success for the conference and appreciated this unique initiative. He stated that the conference would help address the issues and challenges faced by tribal communities.