Medical pluralism: Health care system among the indigenous tribal communities (with special reference to mirdha tribe of rural Western Odisha)

Health is a very earthshaking socio-biological asset of every person. In indigenous societies, both health and diseases are culture concerns. Since the dawn of civilization, mankind has been affected by diseases and pestilence which has been a major concern all the time. The present study focuses on the prevailing health care system, health care practices, the traditional beliefs and perception about health, diseases and its remedial measures in the context of socio-economic and socio-cultural dimension of the Mirdha tribe of rural Western Odisha. It further tries to investigate the Treatment Seeking Behaviour and exploring factors involved in the selection of different treatment options. Data has been gathered by using different qualitative methods like observation, FGD and in-depth interview. Quantitative data have been collected on different aspects and presented in the form of tables, graphs, etc. The tribal communities of rural Western Odisha are more articulate with their indigenous health care system. Customary health seeking behaviour among them is embedded in a specific socio-cultural setting. Despite knowing the biological basis of disease, cultural and spiritual issues pertaining to disease still exist. Findings of the study reveal that social and cultural practices play a crucial role and act as barriers and stimulants to accept and reject modern health care services and often led to pluralistic care, which is sometimes pragmatic. Thus the improved health services in terms of availability, quality and accessibility and effective information and communication regarding diseases and services can go a long way in tackling the problem and to design effective and sustainable strategies suited to local conditions in the near future.