Abstract
Food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare are fundamental necessities of human life. However, access to healthcare remains unequal, particularly among economically and socially marginalised communities. Writer Imayam’s novel, 'IppothuUyirodirukkiren' portrays the difficulties faced by rural and underprivileged people in understanding and accessing formal healthcare systems. In many villages, local pharmacists and small medical shops often become the first and most accessible source of treatment, reflecting the limited awareness and availability of medical services. While such facilities may address minor health concerns, low-income communities face severe financial and social constraints when specialised or costly treatment is required. Even middle-class families may be forced to discontinue treatment for serious illnesses because of the expenses involved. The novel thus exposes the inequalities embedded in the healthcare system, revealing how access to effective medical care is often determined by economic status. This study explores the representation of patients, medical practices, and healthcare inequalities in the novel from a social perspective.