Paatalkot gets its first healthcare centre for Tribals

In a landmark initiative to improve access to healthcare in remote tribal areas, Dr. Rashmi Choudhary, Assistant Commissioner of the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), New Delhi, inaugurated Paatalkot valley’s first healthcare centre for tribal communities on 27 September 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs announced.

Paatalkot, a secluded valley in Tamia block of Chhindwara district, is home to Gond and Bharia tribes, classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Its 12 scattered villages, with nearly 4,000 residents, have long remained isolated, forcing villagers to traverse steep trails and travel long distances for even basic medical care.

Over the years, central initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan have improved local infrastructure, including roads, housing, drinking water, electricity, and education. Children from the valley now attend the Eklavya Residential School in Tamia, while homestay projects in Chimtipur have created new tourism-based livelihoods.

During her visit to Sindhouli and Rated villages, Dr. Choudhary interacted with residents and addressed long-standing grievances about the non-functional Ayushman Arogya Kendra. She instructed health officials to commence operations immediately. The centre, now fully operational, provides outpatient services, vaccination drives, maternal and child healthcare, basic diagnostics, and teleconsultations with specialists, ensuring residents no longer need to risk dangerous journeys for treatment.

“This centre will save lives, especially for pregnant women and children,” said a local tribal leader. “Access to doctors close to home changes everything for our community.”

The inauguration marks a crucial step toward improving tribal health and well-being in Paatalkot, reinforcing the government’s commitment to equitable service delivery under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and related welfare programs. With healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities coming together, Paatalkot is witnessing a transformative shift in the quality of life for its tribal residents.