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The Hindu
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
After 13 attempts, a reluctant pregnant tribal woman in Tamil Nadu persuaded into hospital visit
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.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tribal student in Tamil Nadu govt school passes Class XII exam in style
R Malliga COIMBATORE: R Malliga, a tribal student, emerged as the topper at Velliyankadu Govt Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore district by scoring an impressive 539 marks, including 98 in computer applications. She is the first student from Bhagavathi Amman Kovil, a tribal hamlet, to pass the Class XII board examinations. Malliga's journey was not easy. Her parents are daily wage earners — her father works as a farm labourer, and her mother is unwell and stays at home. Her two elder brothers and sister dropped out of school due to their family's financial situation. "I got good marks only because of my teachers' support and encouragement," said a beaming Malliga. "I never expected to become the school topper. I am really happy. I want to pursue higher studies and get a good job, but I don't know which course to choose," she said. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones Malliga now hopes for proper career guidance and financial support to continue her education. Deivika S of MGR Nagar in Velliyankadu, another tribal student in the same school, scored 522 marks in the science group, including 96 in biology. Her parents are daily wage workers. "I scored good marks thanks to the constant encouragement and support from our teachers. They explained the subjects clearly and even conducted special classes for us," Deivika said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How Smart Traders Use Data to Navigate Volatile Markets News Portal Try Now Undo "I wrote NEET, and I am interested in joining the BDS course," she said. Velliyankadu Govt Higher Secondary School has achieved a 100% pass result in Class XII board exams for the last 13 years. Of the 86 students who appeared for the exam this year, 15 were from tribal settlements. All of them passed. School headmaster Socrates Kulasekaran S credited the success to the relentless efforts of teachers. "Our teachers work tirelessly, even during holidays, to support the students," he said. "Enrolling tribal students and ensuring they stay in school is a challenge. Out of 920 students in our school, 136 are from tribal settlements. We constantly motivate them and offer counselling to help them continue their education. But after they finish school, they urgently need financial support to pursue higher studies," he said.
