UNHEARD VOICES OF THE ‘CHARUAS’ : BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE HEALTH DELIVERY IN THE CHAR AREAS OF ASSAM

Abstract

Health is a major area concerning development for countries like India which is yet to be able to provide universal and basic health care services to its entire population. Among the major health issues confronting the country are increasing disease burden, maternal health and child health issues etc. With one of the most complex demographic scenarios in the country, the northeastern state of Assam is facing a huge challenge as of today. The geographical terrain, socio-religious beliefs etc. of the state contributes significantly to the variability seen in socio-economic data; accessibility is thus a major issue in implementing various government schemes. There are certain areas which have chronically suffered from lack of adequate health infrastructure – the char areas of the river Brahmaputra may specially be mentioned here. In this article it is argued that the char areas of the Brahamaputra river have been a classic case of neglect by the state government. Even though demographic challenges are present, the poor living condition of people cannot be justified in this day and age; appropriate measures need to be taken to uplift the lives of the charuas.