In a bid to encourage people from tribal communities to get themselves checked for any underlying medical conditions, the Masinagudi division of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve organised an organic health camp in Mavanallah on Sunday.
Speaking to The Hindu, N. Mariappan, Forest Range Officer, said that the forest department had in the past only brought in allopathic doctors for medical camps held in the region. “We found that many people from tribal communities were scared to go see the doctors, fearing invasive procedures,” he said.
During the course of the ayurvedic medical camp, more than 150 people, including forest department staff and members of local indigenous communities were screened for their illnesses, said forest department officials.
Officials said that the camp was held as many people, like in most places in the district, were falling ill over the last couple of months. People exhibiting flu-like symptoms would be referred to the government headquarters hospital for further examination and treatment.