Health of indigenous people

Editor—Ring and Brown discuss the health status of indigenous peoples and others.¹ What can be done to improve the health of indigenous peoples?

Unconventional modes of treatment, such as exercise and yoga, and unconventional medical pathies, such as ayurveda and homoeopathy, need to be recognised and encouraged. These can be used cheaply and effectively to manage at least the self limiting conditions and to promote a healthy life style in general. The mental health of indigenous peoples requires particular attention.

Medical doctors should make sure that they attend their postings and see patients regularly. Administrators need to allocate more funds and monitor them strictly so that they are used properly. A comprehensive health programme is needed. This may be part of or separate from the main system to promote a healthy and disease free society of indigenous peoples.

Faith healers, local "practitioners," self proclaimed doctors, and quacks can be trained to deliver such a package of health care. In some countries, such as Nepal, the "local" or "traditional doctors" are part of the healthcare delivery system. They have become a useful and cheap source of healthcare with training, supervision, and careful and regular monitoring.