Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Adivasis in Nilgiris Face Severe Health Neglect
In the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India, Adivasi communities face serious health problems.
Many live far from hospitals and cannot afford transport to get there.
When they do reach hospitals, they often face discrimination and poor treatment.
Many children are malnourished, and adults suffer from illnesses due to a lack of proper food and healthcare.
The communities also struggle with alcohol addiction and high suicide rates.
Their traditional way of life has been disrupted by being moved from their forest homes, making it harder for them to stay healthy.
Efforts to improve their health are ongoing but face many challenges.
Adivasi communities in the Nilgiris district face severe health neglect due to remoteness and lack of accessible healthcare.
Many cannot afford transport to the nearest hospital, which is 20 km away, costing at least Rs 700.
Malnutrition is rampant, with almost 50% of children under five being malnourished due to a lack of diverse and nutritious food.
Discrimination and poor treatment at government hospitals deter Adivasis from seeking medical help.
Displacement from traditional forest homes has led to cultural alienation, alcohol addiction, and high suicide rates.
- Who
- Adivasi communities in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu
- What
- Severe health neglect and malnutrition due to remoteness and discrimination
- When
- Ongoing issue, with recent focus on early October 2023
- Where
- Nilgiris district, particularly in Kotagiri and Gudalur taluks
- Why
- Combination of remoteness, lack of accessible healthcare, and cultural alienation
- Location
- Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India
- Primary Health Issue
- Malnutrition and lack of access to healthcare
- Distance to Nearest Hospital
- 20 km
- Cost of Transport
- Rs 700 or more
- Malnutrition Rate
- Almost 50% of children under five
- Suicide Rate
- 19 suicides among 34,000 persons in 2023-’24
- Key Challenges
- Remoteness, discrimination, and cultural alienation
- Healthcare Access
- Limited public transport, unreliable NGO services