The Todas are a pastoral tribe ethnic to the Nilgiris Hills of South India. A few years back, their unique embroidery received a geographical indication certificate.

PSG Hospitals Coimbatore conducted a Health Screening Camp exclusively for the Toda Tribal Community of Nilgiris on 17th September at the Regional Centre for Tribal Culture – Convention Hall, Garden Road, Ooty.

The Nilgiris district panchayat chairman, Mr. Pontosh, initiated the camp. The screening camp intended to detect any significant illness at the initial stages & also sensitize the need to have periodic check-ups – as part of Kalaignar Centenary Celebrations. Mr. Mantesh Kuttan, President of the Toda Community Welfare Association, received the Medical Team. Mr. Maharajan, Revenue Divisional Officer, Ooty, inaugurated the medical camp.

The Founder Trustees of PSG & Sons Charities Trust, Mr. G. Rangasamy and Mr. L. Gopalakrishnan realized the medical needs of Tribals. They ensured that the Speciality Departments of PSG Hospitals participated in the free multi-specialty camp. They also authorized the use of specialized equipment such as the Echocardiogram and spirometry to detect heart & lung ailments.

Toda tribals, numbering 320 from all parts of Nilgiris, were the beneficiaries. A team of 30 personnel, including Consultants, Doctors, Nursing staff, and Technicians, took part in the camp coordinated by Dr Tolstoy & Dr Ramakrishnan.
The team evaluated those with pre-existing diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Chest infections, Anemia, Cataracts, Cancer, Arthritis, and wheezing to ascertain if the condition was in control or required further treatment. A press release from PSG hospitals said that the camp participants who needed additional care or evaluation would receive treatment at PSG Hospitals Peelamedu at a significantly subsidized cost.

Apart from screening the participants for any health-related issues, doctors and nurses at the camp also conducted sessions to sensitize the Todas on the 6 Pillars of Wellness – 1) Good Nutrition, 2) Regular exercises, 3) Avoiding substances of abuse, 4) Adequate sleep 5) Stress avoidance & 6) Harmonious Social Relationship.
Mr. Alwas, Secretary of NAWA (Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association), made a representation for continued periodic Health care Services by PSG Hospitals in various specialties for the welfare of Tribals of Nigiris in other remote parts of Nilgiris.

Mr. Sathyaraj, Secretary of Todas Welfare Association, proposed the vote of thanks and thanked the management and the team members of PSG Hospitals for their time and service.