FREE MEDICAL CAMP IN ALLOOR KODAMALA TRIBAL VILLAGE – 23 MARCH 2025
In the lush, remote hills of Gudalur, nestled within the tribal hamlet of Alloor Kodamala, the Dr. P.C. Thomas Foundation extended a compassionate hand through a community medical camp on 23rd March 2025 that proved to be as enlightening as it was impactful. This initiative brought together medical professionals, student volunteers, and a sense of shared humanity that transcended beyond clinical practise.
The camp, part of the Foundation’s ongoing community service mission, aimed to address the pressing health concerns of one of the most underserved and impoverished populations in the region. With over 50 patients seen in a single day, ailments ranging from acute gastroenteritis and chronic musculoskeletal pain to suspected nutritional deficiencies and undiagnosed chronic conditions were identified. Several patients were referred to the nearby tribal hospital for further evaluation, while others received immediate care, diagnostic screenings, and prescriptions.
The student volunteers from Good Shepherd International School, integral to the camp’s operations, gained first hand exposure to the complexities of rural and tribal health. Among them was Sachi, the lead student organiser, whose sharp attention to detail led to a remarkable clinical observation. While assisting with blood sample collection, she noticed a consistent white emulsion – Lipemia-like, forming in the vials of several patients—a seemingly minor detail that could hold major significance. This unusual presentation has prompted further laboratory investigation and raises the possibility of a disease cluster linked to blood disorder, lipid metabolism or an environmental factor. Sachi’s resolve to pursue a research paper on this finding reflects not only her intellectual curiosity but the camp’s role as a breeding ground for meaningful inquiry.
Speaking on the experience, Dr. Udita Prasad shared, “We’ve conducted camps before, but this one challenged our protocols and assumptions. The unique lifestyle, dietary patterns, and healthcare access issues in Kodamala meant we had to listen more, observe closely, and adapt rapidly.”
The prescriptions, while simple, highlighted a pattern—chronic pain, fatigue, and respiratory infections appeared commonly across age groups. Over 30 women reported leg pain or lower back issues, with iron and vitamin D supplementation prescribed widely. Children, too, showed signs of nutritional deficiencies, recurrent infections, and weakness. These findings suggest systemic challenges that go beyond individual ailments—challenges the Foundation hopes to continue addressing through sustained outreach and advocacy.
This camp served not just the villagers, but also the spirit of learning and service that defines the Dr. P.C. Thomas Foundation. It was a reminder that medicine, at its heart, is about connection—and sometimes, the most powerful treatments come in the form of presence, care, and a willingness to listen.
A heartfelt salute to every student, doctor, and volunteer who made this mission possible. The hills of Kodamala now echo not just with stories of suffering, but of healing—and hope.
