By Monisha-Community Well-being
Access to quality healthcare continues to remain a challenge for rural and indigenous communities living in the Nilgiris region. Geographic isolation, lack of regular medical facilities, and limited awareness contribute to untreated illnesses and delayed care. To bridge this gap, Keystone Foundation entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karpagam Hospitals on 11th August 2025, focusing on strengthening healthcare services in Pillur and Sigur.
Services under the MoU
The collaboration ensures that underserved communities receive comprehensive healthcare services including:
- Doctor’s Consultation: General Medicine, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Vital Check-up: Blood Pressure, Random Blood Sugar, Oxygen Saturation, Body Temperature
- Primary Care: First Aid and wound dressing
- Investigation: On-site Electrocardiogram (ECG) as needed
- Screening: Vision testing
- Pharmacy: Free distribution of essential medicines
- Education: Health awareness sessions by MBBS students
The impact goal of the MoU is to provide accessible, holistic healthcare and build health awareness among underserved tribal and rural populations.
Followed by the MoU: A Health Camp in Pillur – 23rd August 2025
As part of this new collaboration, we organized a Need Assessment Health Camp at Pillur Dam on 23rd August 2025. The camp created a vital opportunity for community members to engage with healthcare services in a familiar environment.
Key Outcomes:
- Reached 52 participants from 12 villages
- Identified 38 hypertension cases and 21 severe orthopedic cases
- Provided free counseling and medicines to all diagnosed individuals
Support Provided:
The hospital vehicle served as a mobile unit, ensuring that patients from scattered hamlets could reach the venue. Dedicated health professionals conducted screenings, consultations, and follow-up counseling to reduce fear and mistrust of medical services.
Impact
The Pillur health camp highlighted the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, while also demonstrating the urgent need for regular check-ups and accessible care. Importantly, it worked to create trust and confidence among Indigenous communities, many of whom are often hesitant to engage with formal medical services.
Through this partnership, Keystone Foundation and Karpagam Hospitals are working to bridge the gap between modern healthcare and Indigenous communities, combining professional medical expertise with culturally sensitive outreach.
Together, the MoU and health camp represent a step forward in building a healthier, more resilient Pillur and Sigur region.
Photo Credit:Monisha
