In Edamalakkudy, Kerala’s first tribal panchayat, reaching a hospital during an emergency remains a harrowing race against time and terrain. On Saturday evening, September 5, 2026, tribespeople hoisted 33-year-old Ajay onto a makeshift bamboo stretcher, carrying him nearly seven kilometres across dense forest trails to secure urgent medical attention.

Key Facts
  • Fifth incident in 25 days: Marks the fifth time since August 12 that a patient had to be carried on bamboo poles across the panchayat.
  • The latest trek: Ajay, 33, suffering from prolonged high fever, was moved on foot from Vellavarakudy to Keppakkad.
  • Critical barrier: A chronic absence of motorable roads and bridges leaves forest footpaths as the sole connection to healthcare.

A Gruelling Trek Through the Forest

Ajay, a resident of the Nooradykudy settlement near Munnar, had been battling high fever for several days without relief. As his condition failed to improve, worried villagers took matters into their own hands on Saturday evening. Fastening together lengths of bamboo, they carried him from Vellavarakudy to Keppakkad, navigating steep, rugged wilderness paths for roughly seven kilometres before transferring him onward to a medical facility. Local resident Chandanam confirmed the arduous journey, noting that the community had no other option to get him help in time.

Five Crises in Under a Month

The ordeal is far from an isolated event. For the residents of Edamalakkudy, bamboo stretchers have become a perilous routine whenever medical crises strike.

DatePatientSettlementDistance & Route
August 12, 2026Malayappan, 75KoodallarkudyCarried ~10 km through forest to Mankulam, then to Adimaly Taluk Hospital
August 14, 2026Poomani, 50MeenkuthikudyCarried on foot to Societykudy primary health centre
August 22, 2026Rajathi, 33KeezhvalayamparakudyCarried >5 km across the Manaliyar river to Edamalakkudy PHC
August 31, 2026Sumathi, 40ParappayarkudyCarried >7 km through jungle to Munnar General Hospital
September 5, 2026Ajay, 33NooradykudyCarried ~7 km through forest from Vellavarakudy to Keppakkad

The Lifeline That Isn't There

The repeated emergencies underscore an ongoing infrastructure crisis across Edamalakkudy's scattered settlements. Without motorable roads or sturdy bridges across forest streams like the Manaliyar river, vehicles cannot penetrate the dense interior. Whenever a resident falls severely ill, neighbors must shoulder the burden themselves, trekking across slick inclines and deep woods to ensure their loved ones survive.