Dr Subodh Kandamuthan, Assistant Professor, at the Administrative Staff College of India, has won the IDRC India Social Science Research Award 2009 in the area of Equity in Health systems, for the paper ‘Equity in Health: A Study of the Fishing Community in Coastal Kerala in South India’.

The IDRC India Social Science Research Award 2009 is about celebrating best research practices in social sciences in India on the occasion of 25 years of IDRC’s regional office presence in India. The Award seeks to recognize young talent and celebrate research that has demonstrated impact on policy and practice, or has enhanced public understanding of behavioral & social science principles.

The IDRC India Social Science Research Award was given out for best research practices in the following five areas: Enhancing Food Security, Climate Change and Adaptation, Rural Innovation Systems, Equity in Health Systems, and Social Inclusion.

The paper by Dr Subodh Kandamuthan studied the equity in health issues among the Fishing Community of Coastal Kerala in South India. The study looked into the costs of illness among members of the fishing community in Kerala and their willingness to pay for health insurance. It concludes that, apart from improving the existing health systems, there is a need for the government to look at alternate financing mechanisms like health insurance and also encourage public- private partnerships. 

The award was presented to Dr Subodh Kandamuthan at the Award Gala Function on 19th December 2009 in New Delhi. The Award includes a Winner Certificate, Winner’s Medallion and a Cash Award of Rs. 40,000.