By: KANKANA DE
Medical anthropologists focus on community, social organisation, and observe that tribal people often prefer to use homemade medicines. For example, they apply turmeric paste to wounds and cuts, and use neem leaves for measles. Primary health care forms the foundation of the health care system. Anthropologists are involved in supporting marginalised health care systems. It is within primary care that individuals – health practitioners, patients, and caregivers – experience and shape the ordinary and extraordinary processes of health and illness, and where the scope and boundaries of different medical practices are negotiated. In this anthropological context, people serve as counsellors in Anwesha clinics and Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC). They provide knowledge about reproductive health and associated diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
