Impact of backwardness on health-case study Pakhiralaya village, Gosaba Block, Sundarban, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The Sundarban is a national park, biosphere reserve and tiger reserve in West Bengal, India. Pakhiralaya village is a part of Sundarban and it located exact opposite to the buffer area of Sundarban reserve forest. This village has its unique natural beauty and it is far from the noise of the city. But this area is suffering from backwardness and is one of the underdeveloped villages in Gosaba block. The main reasons for being backward are illiteracy, age old beliefs, unemployment, engagement with primary economic activities and lack of infrastructure. The overall backwardness of this village seriously affects the health condition of the village because villagers often use home remedies to treat serious health issues due to lack of proper medical facilities. They also do not have the proper knowledge to judge the seriousness of the disease which often leads to untimely death and also causes pre natal, natal, and maternal death. They also treat snake or other animal bites from local ojhas or gunins or quake doctors (local people with herbal medical knowledge, they are normally not registered as medical practitioners). The backward condition of this area also keeps the educated doctors or educated persons away. This certain conditions create a hopeless situation in the sector of health and hygiene.