This narrative explores the evolution of healthcare in rural plantation settings on the Kanan Devan Hills, where early malaria, termed “hill fever,” devastated workers until intervention by experts from the Ross Institute of Tropical Medicine. Pioneering studies by Dr. Ramsay identified key mosquito species such as Anophilus minimus and Anophilus fluviatilis, leading to targeted preventive measures. The narrative recounts the establishment of apothecary services, the transition of care under Dr. Kerr, Dr. Nicholson, and subsequent CMOs like Dr. Mahadevan, and modern developments during the Tata Tea era. It highlights antenatal clinics, health education initiatives, and formation of plantation self-help groups.
Munnar : Transforming Plantation Healthcare from Malaria to Modern Medicine
When discussing health in Munnar region, one must look beyond the 250 square miles of the Kanan Devan Concession Land to appreciate the broader picture. In the early days when “hill fever”—nothing more than malaria—decimated our workers. Our fight against malaria was bolstered by the expertise of the Ross Institute from London, which identified Anophilus fluviatilis as the main musquitoe responsible.
General Hospital
Our planter associations initiated preventive and prophylactic measures. We began planting Eucalyptus grandis in the marshes to dry them up, clearing forest stream banks, and using oil to decimate the deadly larvae. It was remarkable to see malaria come under control in just five to six years.
Estate Hospital
Other diseases—plague, cholera, and even smallpox—also left their mark on our community. In the early days managers and assistants, armed only with “Dr. Short’s Handbook of Medicine” and a basic medicine chest, provided all the necessary care. Kanan Devan Planters’ Association decided to appoint an apothecary who would visit each estate at least once a month—distributing quinine tablets, preparing identifiable stock mixtures for fever, cough, stomach upsets, and leaving them at local dispensaries for timely administration.
With the entry of Finlays, every estate soon had its own apothecary. In 1898, Dr. Kerr, a Scotsman from Ceylon, who became our first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and for whom a hospital and bungalow were built on Periavurrai Estate. When Dr. Kerr left for Australia after a few years, Dr. Nicholson took over, and during his tenure, a new hospital was built in 1909 on the western side of the river at Nullatanni Estate. Later on, Dr. Finlayson, followed briefly by his son, carried the mantle forward with commendable dedication.
The evolution continued well into modern times. In 2008, Dr. Duncan Hugh Finlayson’s brief visit from England to Munnar, followed by Dr. Todd succeeding Finlayson junior. Then came a landmark change when our very first Indian CMO, Dr. R. Madadevan, assumed leadership of the health department between 1957 and 1972—what many fondly remember as “Mahadevan Time.” Under his tenure, there was a significant shift in policy; for instance, management wives began delivering at the Munnar General Hospital rather than at Lady Wellingdon Hospital in Madras. I even heard of a nurse who stayed at the Wood Brook Bungalow for five long years during that period. By the time I reached Munnar, the days of the Wellingdon nurses were fading.
Dr. Mahadevan himself, a former head of surgery at Stanley Medical College in Madras touched many lives. We never met a CMO who cared as deeply for our workers and their families as he did.
Other stalwarts include—Dr. Basu, who brought his pediatric expertise; Dr. Thambidorai and his wife Lilian, (Dr Thambidorai is a cousin of my father) our skilled anaesthetist and
gynaecologist; and Dr. Balaraman, affectionately known as the “china samy.
Health education was another passion of Dr. Mahadevan’s. After long hours at the hospital, he would pack a 16 mm projector with its screen and a set of films covering topics from water-borne illnesses to maternal care and balanced diet. He, often accompanied by Dr. Thambidorai or Dr. Balaraman, would visit the estates, set up a screening for the workers—who’d finish their chores early just to catch the movie—and then engage in lively Q&A sessions that sometimes stretched close to midnight.
Antenatal clinics were held on fixed days, always followed by health talks. In the early 1970s, our immunisation registers barely had room for the four doses of the triple antigen and smallpox vaccination. Yet, even then, we made sure that educational inputs were delivered at three levels—for children in crèches, mothers at clinics, and the broader community via our dedicated link workers, whose support was invaluable.
The Tata Era marked a golden chapter for our plantations. When Tata Tea took over in 1983, Chairman Darbari Seth’s promised that no cuts would be made in water supply, crèche allocations, or research and development budgets. Accompanied by Managing Director Mr. Deogun and Mr. Krishna Kumar, the Tata philosophy was swiftly put into practice. In 1984, Lt. Col. T.K. Cherian assumed the role of CMO, ushering in numerous improvements in our hospitals.
Workers accommodation
Even as the Tata management eventually changed and the new Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company was formed—with the Anamalais Estates later coming under Tata Coffee—the commitment to healthcare remained unwavering. we have seen the formation of about 300 self-help groups, supported by both the company and various governmental and non-governmental agencies. Today, the General Hospital, still under Tata global beverages administration, serves as the referral center for our plantation employees.
I feel deeply honored to have been part of this evolving story— during Dr. T.K Cherian’s time and later squadern leader Dr. Suresh M.D and Dr. Krishnan Kutty (1987 to 1997). From the early struggles against malaria and other illnesses, through the visionary days of pioneers like Dr. Kerr, Dr. Nicholson, and Dr. Mahadevan, to the transformative Tata Era and beyond. Every step of the way, I have witnessed a steadfast commitment to health and welfare that has made a profound difference in the lives of our people here in the heart of the hills.
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