Edamalakkudy’s Poor Roads Leave the Sick Stranded Without Treatment

Swift Summary:

• An elderly woman, Rajakanni (60), from Koodallarkudy tribal settlement in Edamalakkudy, Kerala, was carried on a makeshift stretcher for 10 km through dense forest to mankulam hospital after her fever worsened.
• The region lacks proper road connectivity,leading to repeated challenges in accessing healthcare.
• Earlier cases of hardship include:

– On August 22, RajakanniS five-year-old grandson Karthik died despite similar efforts to get him to the hospital for high fever. His body had to be carried back through the forest.
– On August 26,Amruthavally (60) from Shedukudy died following delays caused by lack of road access while being transported for asthma treatment.

• Tribespeople refuted claims by Devikulam MLA A. raja that government facilities in Edamalakkudy were sufficient and demanded immediate action on road construction.
• Idukki Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt recently instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to complete a pending road project connecting Pettimudy wiht Societykudy in the panchayat.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The incidents underscore an urgent need for reliable infrastructure advancement in tribal regions like Edamalakkudy to ensure basic healthcare access and prevent avoidable tragedies like those reported here. While recent directives from local authorities signal intent towards addressing this longstanding issue, actual implementation must be prioritized and expedited given its possibly life-saving implications.

Beyond healthcare delivery challenges, the episodes reveal systemic neglect faced by remote communities despite political assurances of “ample facilities.” Efficient governance practices including completion of critical infrastructure projects are required not only as a humanitarian necessity but also as a commitment toward equitable development for marginalized populations.

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