IDUKKI: Mankulam is a village in the high range of Idukki near Munnar. It has a population of 9,300 and 40% of them are tribals.
As Attapady gains headlines in the media for malnutrition of tribal kids, Mankulam is no different when healthcare is considered.
The single medical officer-Primary Health Centre (PHC) is the only treatment facility in the area. The nearest towns are Adimali and Munnar that are 34km and 32km away from Mankulam.
People have to travel to Adimali for further health services and deliveries of pregnant women. Because of the difficult terrain and scarcity of public transport, people residing in the interiors of Mankulam, including Tribal communities, have to walk a lot to get access to the PHC.
Dr Tijo P Jose, former medical officer Mankulam PHC, said the geography and terrain of Mankulam is a major challenge for getting proper treatment facilities. “Tribespeople and children are facing malnutrition. We often visited the tribal settlements and provided emergency treatment to the people. Without a proper road and travel facility, we walked five to six hours to reach the settlements,” said Dr Jose.
“The PHC has to be upgraded. I was the only doctor in that village for the last two years when I served the PHC. I had to treat people while taking rest for an injury on the hand. Most tribespeople did not get proper treatment for their illness,” said the doctor.
“Wild animal attacks is also a major challenge. Proper attention and treatment must be given to the tribespeople of the 13 settlements in the panchayat,” said Jose.
According to natives, after the doctor quit, a lady doctor is now in charge of the PHC. “The doctor has a five-month-old baby, and she is struggling to provide treatment to the people due to the difficult terrain without proper facilities,” said Joseph, a native.
“If the PHC is upgraded, the government can appoint four doctors and other paramedical staff,” said Jose.
