<p>Jungle Mahals, located in the south-western region of West Bengal, is home to a dense tribal population, including prominent groups such as the Santal, Kora, Bhumij, Munda, Mahali, and Lodha, as well as smaller communities like the Lohara, Shobor, Oraon, Khond, Karmali, Birhor, and Asur etc. Historically, the health practices of these tribes were largely self-reliant, grounded in indigenous knowledge systems. Throughout the twentieth century, these communities had minimal exposure to external health interventions, primarily due to a deep-rooted mistrust stemming from historical exploitation and marginalization. While the colonial government introduced limited health initiatives in Jungle Mahals, these efforts were largely ineffective in reaching the tribal population, reflecting broader imperial health policies across India. In contrast, Christian missionary organizations, particularly the American Baptist and Methodist Missionary Societies, played a pivotal role in introducing basic modern healthcare to remote tribal villages. Although their primary aim was religious conversion, their contributions to education and health provided the first significant exposure to Western medical practices in these communities. This paper explores the historical and cultural dynamics of health in the tribal-dominated Jungle Mahals region during the twentieth century. It examines the prevalence of physical and mental illnesses, evaluates colonial neglect in healthcare provision, and investigates how Christian missionary organizations contributed to the region’s medical transformation.</p>