Migrant workers in Kerala prefer modern medicine

Kochi: Majority of outstation workers in Kerala prefer to visit a doctor or a healthcare facility when ill rather than indulge in self-medication. Modern medicine is the primary treatment choice of literate migrant workers (almost 70%).

Very few choose ayurveda or homoeopathy while even fewer seek Unani or siddha systems, according to a study on interstate migrants' health-seeking behaviour and factors influencing it.The study was carried out by Malappuram MES Medical College Community Medicine department among migrant workers aged 18 and above who have been residing in the district for at least three months.Socio-demographic factors such as age and income significantly influenced health-seeking behaviours, with 88% of the migrant workers preferring modern medicine.

While 54% were willing to visit a doctor or healthcare facility, 40% preferred private healthcare and 32% utilized govt facilities.

"Though sample is from Malappuram, the study is important as research on the health of migrants is scarce in Kerala despite their growing population. Integrating migrant health needs into state health policies is crucial for improving public health outcomes," said MES Medical College Community Medicine department lead researcher Dr Ajith V.

Doctors who work with migrant workers in the state said those who integrate with local communities tend to show better overall health. However, just like with the local population, there are migrants who indulge in home remedies until their condition turns serious. Once their ability to work is affected, they immediately seek medical attention."Migrant labourers can't visit hospitals during work hours. Our main goal is to provide them healthcare on their terms," said Dr Neema Premkumar, who treats them through the mobile Bandhu Clinic.

The unit team schedules visits to migrant-dense areas in the evening, so that they can tend to the workers on their return from jobs."The most common complaints include body pain from hard labour as well as skin allergies from handling substances like cement. In the past one year, we have also started detecting lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes more frequently among them," said Dr Neema.