India, Aug. 24 -- Despite significant improvements in tribal health indicators, a state-level committee has warned that Maharashtra's tribal communities continue to lag behind the state's overall population on key health outcomes. Gaps in last-mile delivery, healthcare personnel, data, nutrition, and access to emergency care require a fundamental overhaul.

The 'State Committee Report on Strengthening Tribal Health in Maharashtra', submitted to the state health department, recommends that the state create a separate tribal health system for these communities.

The department has constituted a committee headed by Nandurbar district collector Dr Mittali Sethi to oversee the implementation of its recommendations, after another committee head...