Abstract:
The dominant discussions in India when it comes to health and nutrition services have
often over emphasized the more visible issues in access and utilization, such as scarce
resources, unequal spending, poor coverage and infrastructure, human resource
shortage, affordability and issues of governance, etc. However, not enough attention
has been given to questions of discrimination and exclusion due to one’s social identity
and belonging. This study explores the differing health status of the marginalised social
groups in India, analyses the way policy documents have tried to accommodate these
differences and the contribution of the Supreme Court in ensuring right to health of all.
Through primary research, this research is an attempt to understand the role of social
identity in defining the contours of health service delivery in India. The theories of
differentiated citizenship, recognition and redistribution are used to understand how
health inequities are nothing but a reflection of the existing socio-cultural and economic
inequities existing in society. The article suggests that social justice can only be ensured
by redistribution within the economic sphere and recognition of group differences
within the socio-cultural sphere. Public policies, both in its content and merit, need to
mirror the realities of the people and address the social barriers to inclusion and access
that the marginalised groups experience.
