Assessing Health Disparities in Cold Desert Ladakh: A Composite Index Analysis of Tribal Communities in Kargil District

The present study assesses the quality of health in the cold desert district of Kargil, Ladakh, using a multidimensional framework grounded in environmental, infrastructural, and nutritional indicators. Recognizing health as a holistic construct the research integrates both primary and secondary data collected through a mixed-methods approach. A total of 391 households were surveyed across nine administrative blocks using a structured questionnaire, supplemented by official records from health, census, and municipal departments. The study employs a Composite Score Index to synthesize ten key variables, including morbidity ratio, access to clean water, waste management, sewerage facilities, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The findings reveal significant intra-block disparities. These spatial inequalities underscore the influence of environmental conditions on health, especially in remote, high-altitude regions. The study concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing targeted infrastructure development, community-based health interventions, and longitudinal monitoring mechanisms to address systemic vulnerabilities and promote equitable health outcomes across Kargil.