Discrimination against Muslims, Dalits and Adivasis in Healthcare

Ground Report | New Delhi: Discrimination against Adivasis in Healthcare; One-third of Muslims, more than 20 percent Dalits and tribals, and 30 percent of respondents in general, have no access to religion, caste, or health care due to illness or health conditions in hospitals.

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Discrimination against Adivasis in Healthcare

Oxfam India's report is based on a recent survey 'Securing Rights of Patients in India', and provides an insight into the plight of patients and citizens in the healthcare system.

The Pan India survey was conducted between February and April 2021 and received 3,890 responses. The survey highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of patients' right to information, informed consent, and other opinions.

More than 70% said that the doctor only prescribed prescription or treatment or asked them to perform tests/investigations without stating their illness, nature, and/or cause of illness, while more than half said no about the investigation. Didn't get the information. Tests are being performed on admission to the hospital. At least one-third said their doctor did not allow a second opinion.

The survey on the Ministry of Health's Patient Rights Charter was conducted between February and April and received 3890 responses, while the survey on India's vaccine campaign was conducted between August and September covering 28 states and five centers. The administered areas covered 10,955 respondents.

Oxfam India quoted the survey results as saying, "One in four Indians has been discriminated against in accessing health services because of their caste and religion."

"One-third of Muslim respondents, more than 20% of Dalit and Adivasi respondents, and 30% of respondents in total reported that they were accompanied by religion, caste or due to illness or health condition in a hospital. Or healthcare professionals were discriminated against, "the report claims.

discriminated on basis of religion

Furthermore, 30% said they had been discriminated against because of an illness or health condition, 12% felt they had been discriminated against on the basis of religion, 13% said they had been discriminated against. Feel that they have been discriminated against. Against because of their caste. One-third of Muslims say they have been discriminated against in a hospital or healthcare professional because of their religion.

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"The survey shows that the basic rights of patients in healthcare facilities for the poor and middle class in India are routinely denied. The existing structural inequalities in the healthcare system, Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Bihar said in a statement.

"It is important to note that India does not maintain a record of people being vaccinated individually by income or social group, which is important for strategizing to suit the needs of a specific population. About one in ten Angela Taneja, head of advocacy at Oxfam India, said any commitment to equity on the vaccination campaign would be commensurate with India's affluent and poor in various social groups. Will have to be involved in trying to track the relative progress of vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

"88% believed that the government should ensure that backward groups such as street dwellers, migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers were given access without providing documents." (Discrimination against Adivasis in Healthcare)

Other issues include long queues, challenges in booking online slots, and long distances to vaccine centers. In addition, respondents stressed the need for teachers, domestic workers, medical and grocery vendors to be vaccinated. The first part of the vaccination campaign focused on vaccinating healthcare and other frontline workers. With a narrow circle, not everyone can be a part of it, which leaves them vulnerable for a while.

Differences in information played a role in the anomalies. More than 60% of respondents felt that they were not well aware of how and why the vaccine was circulating. "Eight out of 10 people think the government has changed its COVID-19 vaccine policy too often, especially in the early stages of the campaign.

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