Veerappan's village gets vital health center

Construction has officially begun on a much-anticipated primary health centre (PHC) in Gopinatham, the village historically associated with Veerappan. This significant development is located on the fringes of the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. The state government granted administrative approval for the Rs 3-crore project last year, with the foundation stone laid in early September. The two-story hospital building is projected to be finished by the end of March next year.

The new PHC is poised to serve the healthcare needs of approximately 10,000 individuals residing in Gopinatham and about 15 nearby tribal hamlets. For decades, these communities have faced substantial challenges, often needing to travel between 50km and 150km to access emergency medical services in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The establishment of this local facility addresses a demand that has persisted for seven decades, promising a drastic improvement in medical accessibility.

Plans for the PHC include a comprehensive range of facilities, such as an auditorium, outpatient wards, laboratory, pharmacy, and separate wards for men and women. It will also be equipped with essential utilities like a generator, UPS, and solar power. Local authorities have been urged to ensure the project's timely completion with high standards of quality and transparency. Furthermore, preference for employment will be given to local candidates for medical and support staff positions, with an emphasis on ensuring their residency in Gopinatham.