The shortage of doctors and paramedical staff at primary health centres in the Agency areas is resulting in tribals falling prey to viral and malarial fevers.
According to unofficial sources, over 6,000 tribals died due to fevers last year in Adi labad, Khammam, Warangal, East Godavari, West Godavari, Visakapatnam, Vi jayanagaram, Srikakulam and tribal-belt of Kurnool, Guntur and Anantapur districts.
Tribal associations alleged that the state government has failed to appoint doctors and paramedical staff in vacant posts in Agency areas.
It said the government takes only temporary measures whenever fevers spread in the region.
Adivasi Sankshama Parishad state general secretary Sunnam Venkata Ramana said healthcare facilities are very poor in the Agency. Around 600 vacant posts at PHCs leave tribals with no options but to approach quacks.
Ramana said the government has failed to promote awareness about waterborne diseases.
Tribals living in Khammam, Adilabad, Kurnool and Visakapatnam districts depend on water that flows down from hills, he added. The officials said about 500 doctor and other posts fall vacant at PHCs.
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