Indian J Med Res
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent in the tribal populations; however, there are limited data regarding health system preparedness to tackle NCDs among these populations. We estimated the availability of human resources, equipment, drugs, services and knowledge of doctors for NCD management in the selected tribal districts in India. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that the health system of the studied tribal districts was not adequately prepared to manage NCDs. The key challenges included inadequately trained workforce and a lack of equipment and drugs. It is suggested that capacity building and, procurement and distribution of equipment, drugs and information systems to track NCD patients should be the key focus areas of national programmes.
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Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited disorder of erythrocytes, is highly prevalent in the tribal population of India. The tribal population of India is approximately 100 million and it is necessary to identify the magnitude of this problem. Furthermore, the prevalence of the disease is unknown among the five million tribal people of southern provinces of Rajasthan. In this study, we intended to determine the prevalence and characteristics of sickle cell disorder among the tribal inhabitants of southern Rajasthan. ⋯ SCD is a significant problem among the tribes of southern Rajasthan, with the highest prevalence among the Garasia tribe. The present study recommends that a structured screening programme targeting the entire tribal population with appropriate counselling as well as providing treatment through the existing health system is the need of the hour.