Medical infra woes & animal attacks: In left-behind Wayanad, residents wonder if Gandhis are answer

Wayanad battles with inadequate healthcare

In the lush green Wayanad district of Kerala, nestled amidst the Western Ghats, lies a tale of neglect and despair. The region, once a stronghold of the Gandhi family, is now grappling with a severe shortage of healthcare facilities, leaving its residents vulnerable to preventable diseases and untimely deaths.

Despite being home to over 8 lakh people, Wayanad has only one government hospital with limited facilities. The lone district hospital in Kalpetta is overstretched and understaffed, struggling to cater to the growing medical needs of the population.

The shortage of doctors and nurses is particularly acute. The hospital has only 25 doctors against the sanctioned strength of 52, and a mere 80 nurses against the requirement of 150. This severe shortage has resulted in long waiting times, inadequate care, and a lack of specialized treatment options.

Residents fear animal attacks amidst shrinking forests

Adding to the healthcare woes, Wayanad is also facing a rising number of animal attacks as human settlements encroach upon forest areas. The district has witnessed a significant increase in human-wildlife conflicts in recent years, with elephants, tigers, and leopards venturing into villages in search of food and water.

The shrinking forests and fragmentation of wildlife habitats have pushed animals closer to human settlements, leading to tense encounters. In the past year alone, there have been over 50 cases of animal attacks reported in Wayanad, resulting in injuries and even deaths.

The lack of adequate medical facilities in the area compounds the problem. Victims of animal attacks often have to be transported to distant hospitals for specialized treatment, leading to delays and increased risk of complications.

Wayanad's residents question Gandhi legacy

The current state of affairs in Wayanad has raised questions about the legacy of the Gandhi family, which has held sway in the region for decades. Residents are wondering if the Gandhis, who have been vocal advocates for healthcare and environmental protection, have neglected their own backyard.

Some residents express disappointment that the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Rahul Gandhi, has not received the attention and investment it deserves. They feel that the Gandhis have focused more on national politics than on the well-being of their own constituents.

Conclusion

The medical infrastructure woes and the rising number of animal attacks in Wayanad paint a grim picture of neglect and despair. The residents of this left-behind region are left wondering if the Gandhis, who have long been their representatives, will finally step up and address their pressing needs.

The situation in Wayanad demands urgent attention from both the state and central governments. The immediate need is to strengthen healthcare facilities, increase the number of medical staff, and improve the quality of care. Simultaneously, measures must be taken to address the issue of human-wildlife conflict, such as expanding forest areas, creating wildlife corridors, and implementing strict laws to prevent encroachment.

The legacy of the Gandhi family in Wayanad will be judged by their ability to deliver on the promises of healthcare and environmental protection that they have made over the years. The people of Wayanad deserve better, and it is time for the Gandhis to prove that they are not just political symbols but also true representatives of the people they claim to serve.