Health Condition of Internal Migrants in India: A Review

Abstract

The surge in the number of internal migrants in India from 315 million in 2001 to 454 million in 2011 indicates that an average of about 14 million people migrate every year. With this ever-increasing rate of migration within the country, the act of providing effective healthcare services to all remains a challenge. Based on a systematic review of literature, the present study assesses the health condition of internal migrants in India, with emphasis on understanding the health status of and health care access to women migrants in their place of destination. Findings from the review delineated several health problems and morbid conditions, such as the threat of infectious diseases, work-related illness, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and psychological disorders. In the case of women migrants, critical health issues associated with pregnancy and maternal health, prevalence of anaemia, risk of STI, spousal abuse and harassment in the workplace were indicated. This review paper identifies lack of social security and health care coverage for the migrants as crucial concerns; and therefore demonstrates the need to have all-inclusive urban health care policies to ensure general health and well-being for migrants, along with better work and living conditions in the destination region.