SOME IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF MEDICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ITS SCOPE WITH MAJOR FOCUS ON INDIA

One of the unique features of geography is that it is a multidisciplinary subject which covers several areas of study and hence is related with several other subjects and therefore leads to the development of a new branch or discipline because it explores both the physical properties of the earth surface and human societies spread across it and their interaction. One of such branches of geography is medical geography, a bridge between geography and medical science which is now growing at a rapid pace. This paper seeks to understand the origin and development of medical geography various studies and researches done in this field focussing India. It also focuses on the contributions of geographers to the field of medical science along with medical mapping of diseases done by applying various geographical techniques. Besides, it throws light on studying medical geography as an academic course along with the application of GIS (Geographical Information System). Overall the objective of the paper to highlight the importance and the need to include medical Geography in academic course of geography as its distinct branchfor its expansion and development. The present journal is an attempt to promote the scholars to make their contribution in this field to benefit the human wellbeing across our environment.