Maharashtra incentivises tribal participation to tackle high malaria burden in Gadchiroli
A tribal family to get ₹500 if a member approaches the health system and tests positive; a traditional healer to receive ₹500 for referring a case
Maharashtra is offering incentives to tribal communities in the malaria-stricken Gadchiroli district to encourage testing and treatment. Tribal families receive ₹500 for each positive malaria case reported by a family member, while traditional healers, or vaidus, who refer patients for testing receive ₹200. Dr. Abhay Bang, head of the Malaria Control Task Force, explained that this incentive aims to promote early detection and treatment of malaria, a strategy previously employed to combat smallpox in India.
Gadchiroli, Maharashtra's most malaria-affected rural district, has seen over 3,004 cases reported from January to August 2021, with July alone accounting for 1,680 cases. The region's dense forests, traditional resistance to modern healthcare, and historical Maoist influence all contribute to the elevated malaria burden. As per the order issued by the Gadchiroli Zilla Parishad health department, vaidus will receive ₹200 for each patient referred to ASHA workers or primary health centres for testing.
The state government has also launched an awareness campaign and distributed RDT kits to improve testing accessibility. District Health Officer Dr. Pratap Shinde emphasized the need for behavioral change among tribal communities to improve healthcare-seeking behavior and early treatment.
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