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KSHRC directs establishment of multi-speciality hospital in Munnar, Kerala
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission directed health authorities to intervene to establish a multi-speciality hospital in Munnar, noting the proposal is under government consideration. A report on Marayur tribal areas cites road connectivity and vaccination challenges, and details land allotment and responsibilities for building, staffing, and roadWorks.
Why It Matters
The move highlights efforts to improve healthcare access for tribal communities in Munnar and addresses systemic barriers such as infrastructure and transport that affect maternal and newborn health.
Timeline
7 Events
Pregnant women in Marayur panchayat receive medical treatment
May 11, 2026
The DMO stated that upon receiving information regarding pregnant women within the 25 tribal families in Marayur panchayat, officials immediately ensured they received medical treatment.
Proposal for multi-speciality hospital under state government consideration
May 11, 2026
The commission noted that the proposal to set up a multi-speciality hospital and other medical institutions in Munnar is currently under State government consideration.
District Collector directed to prioritise road infrastructure
May 11, 2026
The commission chairperson reiterated the directive to the District Collector to prioritise road development to bridge the gap between tribal settlements and essential health care.
Health department to build and staff facility; District Collector to ensure road connectivity
May 11, 2026
The Health department is responsible for constructing the building and appointing staff, while the District Collector has been tasked with ensuring proper road connectivity to remote tribal areas.
Five acres of land allotted in Devikulam for the new facility
May 11, 2026
The report states that the government has allotted five acres of land in Devikulam for the new facility. The Health department will construct the building and appoint staff, while the District Collector will ensure road connectivity to remote tribal areas.
KSHRC orders intervention for Munnar hospital project
May 11, 2026
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission issued an order directing the Idukki District Medical Officer and the Director of Health Services to intervene to ensure the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in Munnar. The order was issued by KSHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas and notes that the proposal for the hospital and other medical institutions is under state government consideration.
No newborn deaths in Marayur tribal areas since August 2024
August 2024
A report by the Tribal Development Officer and the DMO states that no newborn deaths have been reported in the tribal areas of Marayur since August 2024. It notes that difficult ghat roads and lack of transportation lead relatives to avoid taking pregnant women to hospitals, and that tribal members have refused vaccinations for newborns. The report also mentions that upon receiving information about pregnant women within the 25 tribal families in Marayur panchayat, officials immediately ensured they received medical treatment.