Despite suffering from illnesses, the tribals often do not receive timely treatment, leading to tragic outcomes.
Published Jul 20, 2024 | 7:15 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 20, 2024 | 7:15 AM
Mulugu DMHO crosses flowing stream to reach patients. (Supplied)
In the Mulugu district of Telangana, tribal people living in dense forests amidst hills and valleys, find themselves cut off from the outside world for three months with the arrival of the monsoon season and gushing streams.
The tribal communities face numerous hardships including dense forests, flowing streams, hills, and hillocks. Transportation to the 101 tribal villages in Eturunagaram, Vajedu, Venkatapur, Kannaigudem, Tadvai, Mulugu, and Govindarao Peta mandals gets disrupted. To reach these villages, one must cross many streams on foot.
If you look at the health during the monsoon season, the area becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in seasonal diseases such as malaria, dengue, and viral fevers.
Despite suffering from these illnesses, the tribals often do not receive timely treatment, leading to tragic outcomes. Malaria, in particular, has been devastating, with sufferers dying due to brain infections from delayed treatment. Though not officially recorded, the malaria epidemic continues to plague the tribals.
#Telangana: In the forest tribal villages of Mulugu district, residents endure isolation during the monsoon season amidst dense forests, hills, and streams. Transportation to tribal villages is disrupted, requiring crossings on foot over many streams. The area becomes a hotspot… pic.twitter.com/RPpyrIkoXU
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) July 18, 2024
Recently, it came to the attention of the district medical and health department that the tribals in Penugolu village were suffering from fever and health problems. The village is cut from the mainstream due to the monsoon overflowing river as Penugolu village, located 16 km from Vajedu Mandal centre of Mulugu district on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border, is perched on a hill and is incredibly difficult to access.
Only 11 families reside in the tribal hamlet, but most of them were sick. “The local health assistant Venkatesh informed that the families are suffering from fever and it is difficult for them to visit the nearby hospital,” said Dr Appaiah to South First.
In response, a medical team led by District Medical and Health Officer Dr Allem Appaiah himself set out to reach the village. Dr Appaiah with his four medical assistants and with the help of three local tribes with only sticks for support walked through the forest, crossing dangerously flowing Kanchera vagu stream. They carried medical equipment and medicines and trekked 16 kilometres to reach Penugolu.
“The tribals living here are accustomed to these conditions. However, new visitors must risk their lives to reach the village,” said Dr Appaiah.
He added that they collected the blood samples, and conducted medical tests. “We provided medicines to those suffering from fever. We spent the entire day in the village and stayed overnight. The next day, we returned to Wajedu, once again navigating the streams and dense forest,” he said.
State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha commended the Mulugu District Medical Officer for his exemplary service. The minister praised Dr Appiah and emphasised that government doctors and medical officers are diligently working to combat seasonal diseases as per the directives of the state government.
The minister extended his congratulations to all doctors providing specialised services and urged medical officials to improve healthcare services for tribals residing in rural and forest areas, citing Dr. Appiah’s dedication as a model to follow.
