Differences in Access to Health Resources: An Analysis of Disparities among Dalit Sub-castes in Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This essay is based on an empirical study conducted in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. It argues for the need of sub-caste level analysis among Dalits as regards their access to health resources. Making use of both quantitative and qualitative data, the disparities in the socio-economic standing of various sub-castes within scheduled castes are discussed. The perceptions about health, illness and disease provides the contextual information about the prevalence of various health conditions while the concentration curves reflect the disparities in out-of pocket expenditure, landholding and income among various sub-castes within Dalits. The case reports of the respondents facilitate an understanding of the intersection of social identity, economic status and spatial inaccessibility of health services as barriers in accessing health care services. The essay suggests that the differences in access to health resources among various sub-caste of Dalits is a function of intersection of social identity, socio-economic status and geographic location of health care services. There is a greater need to identify the differences and challenges within sub-castes to overcome the gap between their health needs and accessibility of health care services.