Caste and Health in Indian Scenario

The caste system, with its social restrictions and, societal stratification continues to have a major impact on the country. The system, generally identified with Hinduism, is also prevalent among Christians, Sikhs and Muslims. While some barriers are broken in urban settings, many continue to persist in rural India. While the secular, socialistic and democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution demand equality of outcomes, the inherent caste related inequality continues to dominate reality in Indian society. Much of the debate has focused on reservation in educational institutions and employment, and rarely highlights the inequalities in health.