The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded that the Tamil Nadu state government deploy an adequate number of doctors and nurses at the Valparai government hospital and improve healthcare facilities in the region. In a letter addressed to the chief secretary, CPM Valparai taluk secretary P Paramasivam highlighted the severe lack of healthcare services in Valparai.
Referral issues and long distances
Paramasivam stated that patients often have to be referred to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for any advanced treatment or even in emergency situations. He alleged that the absence of paediatricians leaves mothers and their children without timely and adequate health assistance. He further noted that tea plantation workers, guest workers, and the poor must travel at least 100 kilometres to receive treatment. The lack of doctors at the Valparai government hospital forces the administration to refer patients to CMCH. Despite travelling such long distances, the assurance of saving their lives remains uncertain due to time constraints.
Financial and health burden on families
According to Paramasivam, victims and their families suffer huge losses, especially in bearing the expenditure for travel and treatment. He urged the government to consider the plight of children and pregnant women in critical health conditions, stating that the lack of infrastructure and workforce puts these vulnerable categories at risk. He also pointed out that no regular work of major departments, including revenue and public works, is taking place due to the ongoing political situation in the state. People are unable to obtain necessary certificates, such as community certificates required for higher education. Officials should consider the public inconvenience and take necessary steps to address these issues.
