Kollam: An adivasi girl died at the primary health centre at Achankovil here on Tuesday night allegedly due to lack of medical attention. Radhika, 10, daughter of Raju and Radhamani of Pulikkayam forest in Kaanayaar forest range, was suffering from fever for the last few days. She was taken to the primary health centre in a pick-up van from the settlement, 10 km from the PHC, after her condition worsened, but there was no medical practitioner to attend to her.
“The PHC is the only medical facility for the residents of Achankovil and the forest areas. A doctor’s service is scarcely available there,” alleged a local resident.
The taluk hospital nearest to Achankovil is at Punalur, some 45 km away. The people can reach Punalur through Ali Mukku, where the road is ill-maintained. Otherwise, the patients have to go to Chenkotta and take the National Highway connecting Aryankavu to reach Punalur.
The doctors appointed to the PHC often take long leave to avoid duty at the remote health centre in the district. It is also difficult for adivasis to meet the expenses of travelling to Punalur, which is the only place to go in an emergency.
The medical authorities say that lack of accessibility is the major problem in extending services. There are provisions to pay the vehicle rent if the patients hire them to reach the Punalur taluk hospital or any other centre.
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