Description
Internal seasonal migration, a relatively under-researched phenomenon compared to other forms of mobility, presents a complex socio-economic nexus fraught with health and nutritional vulnerabilities within economically challenged regions. Distress-driven seasonal migration in India amplifies these concerns, disproportionately impacting pregnant women, mothers, and children. Studies have highlighted the "feminization of vulnerability" arising from such migration, with the COVID-19 pandemic further amplifying it. However, the absence of comprehensive data renders seasonal migrants "invisible" to evidence-based policy interventions.
To address these challenges, the state of Maharashtra in India adopted the Migration Tracking System (MTS), a pioneering state intervention, during the pandemic. Deployed under the Department of Women and Child Development, MTS strives to:
1. Enumerate distress-driven seasonal migrants across high-burden districts.
2. Deliver essential social protection services and entitlements to migrant families.
3. Develop a technology-driven platform for seamless service transfer.
This involves building a comprehensive database and leveraging grassroots networks to ensure uninterrupted access to health and nutrition services.
This study critically assesses the operational feasibility of MTS in mitigating health and nutrition vulnerabilities among migrant populations. We examine its functionalities and implementation strategies through the lens of efficacy in guaranteeing uninterrupted delivery of crucial health and nutrition services, including those offered by the Public Health Department and Women and Child Development Department (health services, child vaccinations, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), etc.).
Analysis of data for 37,848 seasonal migrants (for the year 2021-22) from 5 high-burden districts in Maharashtra was conducted, employing operational efficiency indicators like "enumeration efficiency," "destination acceptance rate," and "service delivery rate" to assess the achievement of MTS objectives. We further investigated the correlation between migrant socio-economic backgrounds and service delivery rates.
Findings indicate variations in operational efficiency metrics across high-burden districts, with no observed correlation between socio-economic characteristics and service delivery to migrants. Positive outcomes include improved vaccination rates, ANC checkups, and supplementary nutrition uptake. Notably, the study identifies policy recommendations for strengthening the health and nutrition system, paving the way for comprehensive remedial measures and refined intervention strategies.
This research contributes to developing a framework for effective state interventions in managing distress-driven seasonal migration, laying the groundwork for informed policy responses. Prioritizing vulnerable migrants, MTS is a promising model for replicating effective state interventions in similar geographical contexts.
| Contact Geneva Health Forum | I would like to receive information about the GHF 2024 conference and other GHF activities / Je souhaite recevoir des informations sur la conférence GHF 2024 et d'autres activités du GHF. |
|---|
