Disparities in health status and service utilization for women and children from different ethnic background – some insights from NFHS 3

In India, the inequities in health status and health care service utilization vary across both geographical and social space. This variation in India is not only due to physical inaccessibility and lack of infrastructure, but due to social inaccessibility. The infant mortality rate, under five mortality, malnourishment among children , prevalence of anemia, malnourishment among women, basic vaccination for children, ANC visits, deliveries at health institutions are some indicators to be considered to study the disparities in health status and service delivery utilization among women and children from different ethnic backgrounds. Women from the Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribe have least access to health care services. This accessibility is further reduced in case of Scheduled caste (dalit) women due to the practice of untouchability, which is still seen in various different forms across India.