Health sub-centres in 2 panchayats closed most time, residents seek PHC

MaSu rejected plea citing norms requiring 20k people in hilly areas for establishment of PHC

- PEARSON LENEKAR SR @Tiruchy

THE Vannadu and Kombai panchayats in Pachamalai hills under Thuraiyur block of the district share six health sub-centres between them but most remain locked or offer minimal services, complain residents. With pregnant women and people encountering emergencies forced to travel around 30 km downhill for accessing quality health care, residents demand establishment of at least a primary health centre (PHC), preferably at Manalodai, to cater to the 10,000-odd population scattered in 34 villages.

"We don't even get basic medicines. For BP tablets or to treat a wound, we must travel downhill," said Muthuraman of Sithadu.