NHFS Report: Dalit-tribal women’s health condition is worst due to caste discrimination and lack of education
Posted on by Dalit Times
According to the NHFS report, the average life expectancy of Dalit women is 14.6 years less than that of upper caste women due to poverty, lack of sanitation and malnutrition, with 76.7% not receiving treatment when they fall ill. The report cites caste discrimination and lack of education as the main reasons for these inequalities.
Health: The issue of violence against Dalits often makes headlines in the news, but the health condition of Dalits is also a matter of serious concern. According to the report of the National Family and Health Survey (NHFS-4), Dalits face discrimination and lack of access to health services, due to which their healthcare index is also quite backward.
Dalit women die at a young age
The National Family and Health Survey (NHFS-4) report has highlighted serious concerns over the health and lifespan of Dalit women. According to the National Family and Health Survey (NHFS-4) report and the United Nations report, the health status of Dalit women in India is extremely worrying. The NHFS-4 report has found that the average age of Dalit women is 14.6 years less than women of other castes. While the average age of Dalit women is only 39.5 years, the average age of women of upper castes is 54.1 years. Let us tell you, in February 2018, a United Nations report also brought forth the fact that the age of women in India depends on caste.
Reason :
According to the report, the main reasons for the short lifespan of Dalit women are poverty, lack of sanitation, unavailability of water, malnutrition and health problems. Due to poverty, Dalit women have limited access to health services, making them prone to serious diseases and health problems. Lack of sanitation and unavailability of water also affects their health condition, making them more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Malnutrition is also a major factor, which reduces their general health condition and lifespan.
Treatment is not available to women when they fall ill
According to the National Family and Health Survey (NHFS) report, tribal women face the biggest lack of health care facilities. According to the report, 76.7% of tribal women do not get medical treatment when they fall ill, while the same situation prevails for 70.4% Dalit women. In contrast, compared to other castes, 66.7% of OBC women and 61.3% of upper caste women do not get basic medical facilities when they fall ill.
Dalit women are victims of anaemia
The report also revealed that 55.9% of Dalit women aged 25-49 years are affected by anemia. This figure is a serious indicator of the general rate of anemia among women across the country, which explains the social and economic disparities. Dalit women suffer from lack of proper health care and medical facilities due to anemia and other health problems. Additionally, Dalit and tribal women do not receive the necessary medical facilities even during pregnancy, which worsens their health condition.
The report made it clear that discrimination against Dalits continues
The NHFS-4 report has made it clear that the health problems and life expectancy of Dalit women are a serious consequence of caste and economic disparities in India. This report is a clear indication that concrete steps need to be taken to eliminate inequality and discrimination in society so that all women can get equal health facilities and quality of life.
