The Dalits have historically been the greatest victims of every catastrophe or medical emergency. Caste has always had a significant role in selecting who would receive medical attention, survive, and die from any disease. In 1918, when the Spanish Flu proved catastrophic to India by killing up to 18 million people, the lower caste residents were the most severely impacted by the infection and were most prone to go without food and medicine. Polio was most prominent in places with acute shortages of drinkable water and sanitation much later, when it spread wildly in India. Empirical data supports the claim that Dalits and Adivasis were denied access to clean water and sanitary facilities. India's caste system is distinct for its adaptability. Thus, caste continues to strengthen itself in a variety of ways even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Social distancing' is one such method through which caste reinvents and justifies itself as a repressive type of exclusion and division. The World Health Organisation said that social distancing was the only treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian government, the media, and social media have all played a significant role in spreading the phrase ‘social distancing’ since its inception. The following paper would look into the government policies regarding health care facilities, availability of protective gear, insurance, compensation scheme, and living standards for the Dalits working as frontline health workers of India during medical emergencies.
