After 13 attempts, a reluctant pregnant tribal woman in Tamil Nadu persuaded into hospital visit

The Hindu

20-06-2025

A five-and-a-half-month pregnant woman from Onthanai hamlet in the Bargur Hills of Erode district, who is anaemic, repeatedly refused hospital care for prenatal check-ups despite persistent efforts by health workers. It took a 13th visit and four hours of persuasion on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) to finally take her to the hospital.
Malliga (21), from the Solagar community, is married to Madesh. While living in Coimbatore two years ago, she suffered a miscarriage two months into her first pregnancy and was diagnosed with anaemia at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. A year ago, the couple returned to their native village.
Evasion tactic
Four months into her current pregnancy, doctors advised a blood transfusion, which was carried out at the Government Erode Medical College and Hospital in Perundurai. Despite medical advice, she refused to follow up with any visits to the Bargur Primary Health Centre.
Over the past two-and-a-half months, she evaded health workers on 12 occasions. On spotting their vehicles, she would lock her house and flee into the nearby forest, just 50 metres away.
On June 18, a team led by Anthiyur Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr. Sri Sakthi Krishnan — along with health staff, police personnel, and local residents — visited her home. Initially, the BMO assured her she would not be taken to the hospital, prompting her to allow a basic check of her vitals. When he explained how untreated anaemia could affect the baby's development, she remained adamant about opting for a home birth.
Dr. Krishnan then called her husband, who works in Getticheviyur. Madesh urged her to go to the hospital. Still hesitant, she was warned about the risk of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).
Relatable call
A turning point came when Malliga was shown a video of another pregnant woman who had initially refused care, but later benefitted from hospital treatment. The other woman was contacted through phone and she spoke to Malliga, encouraging her to trust the doctor.
United effort
Though encouraged, Malliga retreated into her house and stayed there for 30 minutes, declaring she wouldn't come. After continued persuasion by the BMO, staff, family and locals, she finally agreed and was taken to the Government Hospital in Anthiyur in a 108 ambulance. 'I spoke to her from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and persuaded her,' Dr. Krishnan told The Hindu.
Tests revealed her haemoglobin level was 9.5 — below the normal 11 — confirming anaemia. However, her echocardiogram and ultrasound showed no complications. Malliga was later dropped home in the ambulance and she promised to attend regular check-ups.
Dr. Krishnan noted that persuading women in remote tribal hill regions to seek institutional care remains a serious challenge, as health staff continue efforts to raise awareness about the risks home deliveries pose to both mother and child.