Kerala hospital once overrun by strays now boasts gym, park and more

The government family health care centre at Noolpuzha, Wayanad was once a deserted building near the woods where dogs liked to roam. However, this hospital has now been declared one of the model hospitals in India. There is a heartwarming story of commitment and hard work of how a worn-down government hospital was turned into a perfect health care centre that values people’s lives and rights. Those who refrain from going to a government hospital for treatment will be surprised by the clean premises, excellent infrastructure, modern facilities and the friendly staff. The hospital that was almost dilapidated until a decade ago is now a leading primary health care centre.

A children’s park, a multi gym open to the public, and an air-conditioned waiting room are some of the facilities arranged at this hospital, which is located at a panchayat where mostly tribal communities and financially backwards people live. Earlier, no one visited the hospital, where only a single doctor and a handful of staff were there. However, patients from neighbouring districts now come here for treatment. The hospital often made news for its poor facilities and limited medical supplies. Now, this government hospital in a quaint countryside boasts of all the facilities that could give any private health centre a run for its money.

The fate of the hospital changed when Dr VP Dahar took charge here. By 2018, this hospital became one of the best family health centres in the country. Moreover, it was chosen as the best health centre in the country, acquiring 98 per cent marks in the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) survey. More than 300 patients seek treatment on a daily basis, as opposed to just 10 or 20 patients earlier. Meanwhile, Dr Dahar Muhammad, who has been working as an assistant surgeon here won the state award for the best doctor in 2023 – 24.

The good times
Until ten years ago, patients rarely visited the family health centre at Noolpuzha. When Dr Dahar came to the hospital in 2016 from Malappuram, he wanted to return home as soon as possible. However, he was moved by the people of Noolpuzha who didn’t have a proper health care facility besides this hospital. Dahar was determined to change the conditions at the hospital, and the panchayat and the state government supported his efforts. Soon, people from faraway hamlets began coming here for treatment. Vehicles were arranged here to bring the tribal people to the hospital and take them back after treatment.

Gym and park
Noolpuzha Hospital is not just a medical centre but also a modern wellness centre. Paperless token, digitalised OP, air-conditioned waiting area, breastfeeding centre called Penma, Ammatharattu, a residential area for tribal women to stay before delivery, physiotherapy centre, modern gymnasium, children’s park and an elderly-friendly electric autorickshaw are some of the amazing facilities offered at this hospital.

More than a hundred people come to the physiotherapy centre every day. The hospital functions from 8 am to 5 pm now that the number of patients has significantly risen. Meanwhile, the authorities are planning to add ten more beds here. People from Malappuram, Kozhikode, Gudalur in Tamil Nadu and Gundelpettu in Karnataka come for physiotherapy. The family health care centre in Noolpuzha is situated in a sprawling 80 acres land.

The hospital has won countless awards including the Kayakalpa award, state awards, award for best hospital in the district and the NITI Ayog award. Before winning the state award for the best doctor Dr. VP Dahar had also won the award for the best executive officer in a panchayat. Currently the hospital has 65 staff including four doctors. The doctors are available for consultation from 9 am to 6 pm.

The desired transfer
It was in 2013 that Dr Dahar started his career at a hospital in Thanoor on contract basis. When he was posted at the health centre in Noolpuzha, he wanted to go back as soon as possible. But, he changed his decision when he started working in Wayanad. Dr Dahar then requested a transfer to Noolpuzha from Panamaram as he wanted to offer the best treatment to the socially backward people here. The panchayat and the public stood with him when he was determined to make a change. Dr Dahar Muhammad told us that he was able to create a positive change as he got a wonderful team who worked with the same aim and determination.

The primary aim was to provide good treatment for the common people in the society. The panchayat had helped and supported the doctor and his team to achieve this feat. Approvals for various projects were granted swiftly from the collectorate and the district medical office. New projects were proposed every year and they have been efficiently executed. The gym was opened at the hospital two years ago; this gym functions from 5 am to 10 pm. A female trainer is also appointed at the gym for women. The gym has been renovated with more equipment as the number of people using the gymnasium grew. More than 200 people work out at this gym every day.

Meanwhile, a new block is being constructed under the NHM project on a budget of Rs 1.5 crore. The authorities plan to launch genrobotic treatment facilities at this new block. Patients who have been paralysed could be treated using the genrobotic treatment method. Currently, this facility is available only at the general hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The gen robotic technology is quite expensive and may cost from Rs 2.5 crore onwards. Meanwhile, another project called the Youth Organisation Against Drug Abuse to spread awareness among children and youth against drug abuse will be will be launched when the schools reopen.

Besides, a project called Saphalyam will be formed to provide employment opportunities for people who visit the hospital regularly. Dr Dahar is proud that he has been able to successfully execute many such projects at the primary health centre in Noolpuzha. He said that he wishes to do the same at some other hospital that needs a revamp. Shibilu is his wife. Dilna who studies in class eight and Dahalan, a class one student are his children.

Model government hospital
Most doctors who are posted at the hospitals in Wayanad are keen to get a transfer out of the district. However, a few medical professionals are determined to serve the public and their efforts play a pivotal role in bringing positive changes in the healthcare sector of Wayand. The family health centre at Noolpuzha that was once forgotten by everyone now offers efficient medical treatment to hundreds of patients. The hospital stands with its head held high as the perfect model for a government healthcare centre.