Global experts at AIIMS discuss tribal health woes

Nagpur: Addressing the pressing healthcare challenges faced by remote and underprivileged tribal communities, experts from around the world gathered in Nagpur for the ‘FIST 2025' (Forum for Indigenous and Sustainable Tribal Health) international symposium.
Inaugurating the three-day event, Goa chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant emphasised the urgent need for awareness and intervention in tribal healthcare. "Tribal populations suffer from various diseases, and raising awareness about treatment options is crucial. Through this symposium, we aim to identify and implement solutions promptly. The discussions here will provide valuable insights for the upliftment of tribal society," Dr Sawant said.
The symposium, jointly organised by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, is being held between January 31 and February. It brings together global health experts, policymakers, and researchers to deliberate on key tribal health issues and strategies to address them.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Maharashtra's tribal development minister, Prof Ashok Uike, MUHS Vice-Chancellor Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), AIIMS Nagpur Executive Director Dr Prashant Joshi, MUHS Registrar Dr Rajendra Bangal, MUHS Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Milind Nikumbh and conference convener Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary.
Speaking at the event, Prof Ashok Uike highlighted that 13 districts in Maharashtra fall under the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, covering 59 talukas. "With 41 constituencies having a significant tribal population, the recommendations from this symposium will be discussed in a joint meeting next month with MUHS, AIIMS Nagpur, and the tribal development department for actionable policies," he announced.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan extended his best wishes to the symposium through a video message.
MUHS Vice-Chancellor Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd) stated that the university is taking proactive steps to address health issues in tribal areas. "This conference will consolidate knowledge to implement effective healthcare strategies. Raising awareness in tribal populations will lead to significant improvements," she said.
AIIMS Nagpur Executive Director Dr Prashant Joshi highlighted the institution's efforts in reducing cases of sickle cell anaemia and malnutrition among tribal populations. "Through our collaboration with MUHS and initiatives like MUHS FIST-25, we aim to strengthen healthcare policies that cater specifically to tribal communities," he said.
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, convener of MUHS FIST-25, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and participants. He assured that the recommendations derived from the conference would be systematically compiled and presented for policy implementation at the state and central levels.