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The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has directed the Idukki District Medical Officer (DMO) and the Director of Health Services to intervene and ensure the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in Munnar.
In an order issued by KSHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas, the commission noted that a proposal to set up a multi-speciality hospital and other medical institutions in Munnar is currently under State government consideration.
The commission emphasised that a lack of adequate hospital facilities and poor road connectivity are the primary reasons for the deteriorating health of pregnant women and newborns in the district’s tribal settlements.
The KSHRC issued the order following a complaint filed by social worker Guinness Madaswamy, which sought urgent intervention to prevent newborn deaths in the tribal areas of Marayur.
A report submitted by the Tribal Development Officer and the DMO stated that no newborn deaths have been reported in the tribal areas of Marayur since August 2024. The report noted that due to the difficult ghat roads and a lack of available transportation, relatives often refuse to take pregnant women to hospitals. Furthermore, it emphasised that tribal members have also refused vaccinations for newborns. The DMO stated that upon receiving information regarding pregnant women within the 25 tribal families in Marayur panchayat, officials immediately ensured they received medical treatment.
According to the report, the government has already allotted five acres of land in Devikulam for the new facility. The Health department is now responsible for constructing the building and appointing staff, while the District Collector has been tasked with ensuring proper road connectivity to these remote tribal areas.
The commission chairperson reiterated his directive to the District Collector to prioritise the development of road infrastructure to bridge the gap between tribal settlements and essential health care.
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