How Did a Tribal Man Battle Fever and Travel 6 km to Reach a Hospital in Kerala?
Synopsis
In a heart-wrenching tale from Kerala's Idukki district, an elderly tribal man named Malayappan was carried for six kilometers through dense forests by his community members to reach medical help. This incident underscores the severe healthcare shortages in remote areas, raising questions about the accessibility and infrastructure in tribal regions.
Key Takeaways
Community Support: The tribal community came together to help one of their own in a time of crisis.
Healthcare Shortages: The incident highlights the critical lack of medical facilities in remote areas.
Infrastructure Needs: Poor road conditions make access to healthcare extremely challenging.
Urgent Action Required: There's a pressing need for improvements in healthcare infrastructure.
Tragic Outcomes: Similar incidents underscore the urgent need for better healthcare access.
Munnar (Kerala), Sep 17 (NationPress) A 64-year-old tribal man, Malayappan, was transported by members of his community on their shoulders for more than six kilometers, enduring a six-hour journey through the dense forests of Kerala’s Idukki district, to reach the nearest healthcare facility. This incident sheds light on the severe lack of healthcare services in remote tribal regions.
Malayappan, who hails from the Kuddikaar settlement in the Idamalakkudi tribal area, had been struggling with a high fever for two days before his condition worsened on Tuesday morning, rendering him too weak to move.
In a desperate bid to assist him, fellow community members carried him through the challenging forest terrain to Anakkulam, where an ambulance was subsequently arranged to take him to the nearest hospital.
This event highlights the insufficient medical infrastructure in the Idamalakkudi region, which operates under a tribal local governance structure.
While a Primary Health Centre is situated in Societykudi, residents in more isolated areas like Koodalar and Meenkuthi often face the daunting task of navigating through difficult forest paths to reach it.
As a result, many choose the slightly closer yet still distant route to Anakkulam. This is not a one-time event; last month, a five-year-old child from the Koodalar settlement tragically lost his life to fever after a similar effort to transport him to a hospital. He was carried on foot to Anakkulam and then transferred to the Taluk Hospital in Adimali but could not be saved.
The absence of reliable road access presents a significant obstacle in the tribal belt. Vehicle access is restricted to the route from Munnar to Societykudi.
Beyond this point, the roads are in such disrepair that only four-wheel-drive vehicles, primarily jeeps, can traverse them, making it nearly impossible for ambulances to reach the most secluded villages.
Point of View
I believe this incident is a stark reminder of the healthcare disparities that exist in India, particularly in tribal regions. It emphasizes the urgent need for improved medical facilities and infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services. NationPress is committed to raising awareness about these critical issues.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the elderly tribal man in Kerala?
He was carried by his community for over six kilometers through dense forest to reach a hospital due to severe fever.
Why is healthcare access a concern in tribal areas?
The incident illustrates the acute shortage of healthcare facilities and poor infrastructure in remote tribal regions.
What challenges do residents face in accessing healthcare?
Many residents have to undertake arduous journeys through difficult terrain to reach the nearest medical facilities.
Has this type of incident happened before?
Yes, a similar incident occurred last month where a child tragically died after being transported for medical care.
What can be done to improve healthcare access in these areas?
Investing in better infrastructure and healthcare facilities is crucial to ensure timely medical assistance for remote communities.
