Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Urban segregation, health indicators
Mains: GS Paper 1, 2 & 3 — Society, Health, Urbanisation

Why in News?

A recent analysis highlights how residential segregation in Indian cities leads to unequal access to healthcare, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.

What is Residential Segregation?

→ Separation of communities based on:

• Caste
• Religion
• Economic status

Key Findings

1. Unequal Access to Healthcare

• Fewer:
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Medical staff

2. Poor Basic Infrastructure

• Lack of:
  • Clean water
  • Sanitation
  • Electricity

3. Higher Disease Burden

• Increased:
  • Infection rates
  • Chronic diseases

Impact on Public Health

→ Results in:

• Delayed treatment
• Higher mortality
• Poor health outcomes

Structural Issues

1. Social Exclusion

• Discrimination limits access

2. Urban Planning Gaps

• Uneven development

3. Economic Inequality

• Poor communities lack resources

Why This Matters

• Health inequality:
  → A major development challenge
• Affects:
  • Productivity
  • Human capital

India-Specific Significance

• Rapid urbanisation:
  → Increases segregation
• Need for:
  → Inclusive urban planning

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Health is not just a medical issue

✔ It is:

• Social
• Economic
• Spatial

Ethics Dimension (GS4)

➤ Key values:

• Equality
• Justice
• Inclusion
• Dignity

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Residential segregation refers to:

A. Industrial growth
B. Separation of communities
C. Trade policy
D. Agriculture

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Health inequality is linked to:

A. Only hospitals
B. Social and economic factors
C. Only climate
D. Only industry

✅ Answer: B

Q3. Urbanisation leads to:

A. Equality
B. Segregation challenges
C. No change
D. Only growth

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Poor sanitation causes:

A. Better health
B. Disease spread
C. Trade growth
D. Tourism

✅ Answer: B

Q5. Which GS paper covers society?

A. GS1
B. GS2
C. GS3
D. GS4

✅ Answer: A

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Residential segregation is a key determinant of health inequality in urban India.”
Discuss.

FAQs

1. What is residential segregation?

Separation of communities based on social or economic factors.

2. How does it affect health?

Limits access to healthcare and infrastructure.

3. Who is most affected?

Marginalised communities.

4. Why is it important?

It leads to health inequality.

5. Which GS papers cover this?

GS1, GS2, GS3.