Concerns Raised Over Health Crisis in Assam's Tea Gardens

Health Issues in Assam's Tea Garden Communities

Jorhat, April 4: Divya Maderna, the National Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, has raised alarming concerns regarding the health status of tea garden workers in Assam. She reported that approximately 68% of women and children employed in tea estates are afflicted with anaemia, which she described as a significant public health emergency in the region.

During a press briefing at the Jorhat District Congress Bhawan, Maderna criticized both the State and Central governments for their lack of commitment to enhancing the living standards of tea workers, especially women, who are integral to the tea industry.

“The statistic of 68% anaemia among women and children in Assam’s tea gardens is not merely a number; it signifies a serious failure to provide essential nutrition and healthcare to one of society's most vulnerable groups,” she stated.

She pointed out that despite claims of progress, there has been insufficient attention to nutrition, healthcare, and awareness initiatives in tea garden regions.

“Are there any organized programs to educate women about nutrition? Are health facilities adequate in these areas? The answer is no. Women are forced to work under harsh conditions without access to basic medical services,” Maderna remarked.

Additionally, she claimed that tea garden workers lack proper healthcare infrastructure, often needing to travel long distances to access medical treatment.

“Public health centers are either non-existent or poorly equipped. For something as simple as a check-up, individuals must leave their villages and travel considerable distances. This neglect is intolerable,” she asserted.

Maderna also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to a tea estate, alleging that it was owned by the Chief Minister, and questioned why he did not visit other tea gardens facing genuine challenges.

“The Prime Minister should have visited ordinary tea gardens to grasp the real situation. A staged visit does not reflect the daily hardships faced by workers,” she commented.

Linking health problems to economic hardship, she noted that low wages worsen malnutrition among tea workers.

“The promise to raise daily wages to Rs 351 has not been fulfilled. With such low earnings, how can workers afford nutritious food? Anaemia is a direct result of this economic neglect,” she explained.

Maderna accused the government of prioritizing “propaganda over policy,” asserting that critical issues like maternal health, nutrition, and rural healthcare have been overlooked.

“For the last decade, governance has been centered around advertisements and divisive politics, while real issues have been ignored. The situation is so severe that even basic health and development indicators are declining,” she claimed.

She further stated that Assam’s healthcare system is under significant pressure.

“When a child is born in Assam today, they are already burdened with a debt of around Rs 57,000 due to the state’s increasing loans. Meanwhile, urgent issues like maternal health and anaemia remain unaddressed,” she noted.

Maderna called for immediate action, stressing the necessity for targeted health initiatives in tea garden areas. “There must be dedicated nutrition programs, regular health check-ups, and awareness campaigns for women. Without these measures, the cycle of poor health and poverty will persist,” she concluded.