In a rare outreach, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian trekked 14 kilometres on Monday to reach the remote tribal settlements of Alapatti and Maatupattikuttai in Bettamugilalam panchayat, Krishnagiri district. Accompanied by forest and health officials, the minister reviewed health scheme implementation and assured villagers of improved road access and essential services.
During his visit, the minister met 65-year-old M. Bairappa, a beneficiary of the ‘Padham Padhukappom Thittam’. He noted that timely intervention under the scheme prevented a toe amputation. At Alapatti, he also interacted with 23-year-old K. Lakshmi, who is both hearing and visually impaired, and advised her to seek advanced evaluation at Stanley Medical College Hospital with support from local health officials.
Subramanian distributed ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ medicine kits in Maatupattikuttai and urged residents to educate their children and refrain from child marriages. In response to demands for a road to Alapatti, he directed Hosur Wildlife Warden B.J. Sudhakar to examine the feasibility.
Recalling his 2021 visit, the minister highlighted the subsequent deployment of an ambulance and upcoming plans for a primary health centre in Bettamugilalam. Two first-aid centres have also been sanctioned for Kodakarai and Tholuvabetta.
He distributed blankets, mats, and rice to 50 families, and awarded ₹10,000 to tribal area medical teams for their dedication despite wild elephant threats.
Krishnagiri District Health Officer Dr. G. Ramesh Kumar and other officials accompanied him on the trek.