Understanding the Experiences of Health Care–Seeking Migrants in Delhi: Trajectories and Challenges

Many studies have reported on issues of accessibility and quality of health care among the different vulnerable subgroups in urban locations. To date, no study has been done on the challenges faced by health care–seeking migrants (those traveling to cities for health reasons). This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and nonparticipant observation to examine the health problems, health care–seeking trajectories, and challenges faced by health care–seeking migrants in Delhi, India. Participants described long courses of health care seeking, typically from the district to the state capital to the national capital. There were variegated paths to health care seeking characterized by delays in service utilization, progression of disease, and cost escalation. The challenge relating to the delay in receiving health care was exacerbated by the residency status of health care–seeking migrants. In conclusion, health-related migration is associated with shared but also unique barriers to health care seeking. India’s urban health care reform agenda needs to cater to the needs of this population.