A recent study conducted by the Department of Community Medicine at MES Medical College in Malappuram examined the health‑seeking behavior of interstate migrant workers in Kerala. The survey reveals a strong preference for modern medicine—88% of respondents opted for allopathic treatment when ill. Specifically, 54% of workers reported visiting a healthcare provider: 40% used private clinics and 32% relied on government facilities.
The study notes that literate migrant workers exhibit higher use of mainstream healthcare and lower reliance on traditional systems. Nearly 70% of literate migrants choose to consult medical professionals instead of self‑medicating. In contrast, systems like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha remain significantly underutilized among this group.
To improve accessibility, Kerala has deployed mobile health units like the Bandhu Clinic, which operates evening visits in migrant‑dominated areas to align with workers’ schedules. Despite this progress, significant health challenges persist among the population.
Healthcare professionals report that migrant workers commonly suffer from body pain and skin allergies, consequences of strenuous labor in construction and related sectors. Alarmingly, non‑communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are also increasing in prevalence—a trend expected to rise as the migrant demographic ages.
The Malappuram survey of 400 respondents found significant links between age, income, and healthcare‑seeking patterns. While over half seek formal care, 46% report self‑medicating, and 35% rely on home remedies, underscoring economic and informational barriers.
Previous research corroborates these findings:
A 2025 cross‑sectional study in Malappuram using SPSS revealed 39.8% use private clinics and 32% government services, with 88.3% preferring modern medicine.
A 2024 social‑work intervention study in Kochi among 353 migrants identified common problems like skin issues (97.5%) and body pain (36.5%), and proposes mobile clinics, community health workers, and employer engagement to improve access.[1]
Despite Kerala’s reputation for inclusive healthcare, these studies highlight a need for migrant‑sensitive systems-adjustable service hours, language support, insurance schemes, and targeted outreach to curb self‑medication and promote preventive care.
Kerala’s Aawaz health‑insurance scheme and evening clinics are positive steps, yet enrollment issues remain, especially among construction laborers. Barriers include cost, facility access, medication availability, and communication gaps.
Interstate migrants in Kerala show a clear preference for modern medical care, but economic, social, and systemic challenges persist. To bridge this gap, a migrant-friendly healthcare approach-with extended clinic hours, insurance outreach, and culturally sensitive services—is essential to ensure equitable access and improve health outcomes across this vital workforce.
References:
1. Paul M., Reji E. M. (2024). Social Work Interventions in Health Needs of Migrant Labourers in Kerala: A Study Based on Kochi Region. Journal of Social Work and Social Development, Vol. 15, Issue 1, pp. 45–62.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)