Nourishing the Hills: Nutrition Interns Bring Targeted Dietary Guidance to Tribal Patients in Wayanad
Health and dietary counseling session for tribal patients at AKCH focusing on locally available nutritious food items




In an effort to bridge healthcare gaps and promote holistic wellness, Ms. Aarabhi Ajith and Ms. Devika V.M., both postgraduate nutrition interns from Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi—successfully conducted a specialised health and dietary counselling session on September 11, 2026.
The initiative took place at the Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital (AKCH) located in Kalpetta, Wayanad. Aimed specifically at the region’s indigenous communities, the program focused on empowering tribal patients with actionable knowledge regarding local, nutrient-dense food systems.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Bridging Tradition and Nutrition: The interns conducted one-on-one and group counselling sessions, educating patients on how to leverage locally available, indigenous food items to combat nutritional deficiencies.
- Targeted Outreach: Designed specifically for the tribal population of Wayanad, the program addressed prevalent health challenges through culturally sensitive and accessible dietary modifications.
- Empowering Through Education: Patients received practical guidance on incorporating affordable, traditional, and wholesome ingredients into their daily meals to boost immunity and overall long-term health.
“Good nutrition should never be a privilege; it is the foundation of community health. By focusing on the rich, natural resources already available in the Wayanad region, we can help families make sustainable, health-promoting choices.”
Dr Sanjeev Vasudevan MD, AKCH
Held under the aegis of AKCH, the camp underscores AIMS Kochi’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, preventive healthcare, and upliftment of marginalised demographics across Kerala. By connecting modern nutritional science with traditional dietary practices, the initiative at AKCH has set a powerful precedent for rural healthcare outreach. Hospital administrators and the AIMS internship team hope to use the success of this camp as a blueprint for regular, community-led nutritional workshops across the Wayanad district, ensuring that sustainable wellness reaches even the most remote households.