Paper Details

Migration is an occurrence that greatly impacts individuals, communities, and decision-makers worldwide. In Uttarakhand, a hilly state in India, migration has posed challenges as over half a million people have left the state in the past decade, resulting in 734 deserted villages. However, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a trend of migrants returning due to instability, financial struggles, and limited job opportunities. The homecoming of these migrants has shed light on existing shortcomings in the state's public healthcare system in areas where nearly 70% of the population resides. The pandemic exacerbated the issues faced by returning migrants, as quarantine facilities lacked healthcare services, further complicating their situation. The well-being of individuals and their overall development are greatly influenced by health. As per the World Health Organization's definition, health encompasses mental and social well-being. Nonetheless, Uttarakhand's public healthcare system faces challenges in areas that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, like seniors, children, and women. The findings include the challenges faced by the migrants are financial constraints, social and cultural barriers, social stigma, etc. in conclusion, the paper concludes with both positive and negative aspects of healthcare access among the returning migrants.

Healthcare, COVID-19 pandemic, sociological analysis, return migrants, social stigma, Migration, Uttarakhand