Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is significantly enhancing healthcare access for over 35,000 residents across 52 remote villages in Odisha through its impactful Mobile Health Unit (MHU) services. Operating in the districts of Rayagada, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda, the company has successfully conducted more than 2,000 free health camps over the past two years, addressing critical healthcare needs in some of the state’s most underserved regions.
The MHU program is a cornerstone of Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in rural Odisha. These comprehensive camps provide a range of free services, including essential medical check-ups, malaria screenings, blood sugar tests, and the distribution of vital medicines. Each MHU is fully equipped with advanced diagnostic kits and basic medications, and professionally staffed by a qualified doctor, nurse, lab technician, and pharmacist.
Beyond immediate medical interventions, the initiative places a strong emphasis on preventive care through regular health awareness sessions. These sessions are crucial for community well-being, covering topics such as menstrual hygiene, breastfeeding, tobacco cessation, deworming, chronic disease management, and seasonal illness prevention.
The extensive outreach of the MHU services spans several blocks:
- Kalahandi’s Thuamul Rampur block: 21 villages
- Rayagada district’s Kashipur block: 14 villages
- Sundargarh district’s Hemgir block: 11 villages
- Jharsuguda district’s Lakhanpur block: 6 villages
Common ailments addressed at the camps include hypertension, gastric issues, fungal infections, anaemia, common cold, joint pain, respiratory infections, diabetes, and skin conditions such as scabies.
The impact of these services has garnered high praise from local medical professionals. Nitesh Jha, Medical Officer In-charge, Thuamul Rampur village, commended Vedanta’s proactive approach: “I appreciate Vedanta’s proactive role in community healthcare interventions in remote areas. By fulfilling the healthcare needs of the residents, they have taken a significant step towards creating a future that is healthier, making sure that every individual has access to basic medical care.”
Dr. Netrananda Nayak, Head, Community Health Centre, Kashipur, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I would like to commend Vedanta for providing quality healthcare at the doorstep through its Mobile Health Unit, in the Kashipur region. This vital initiative will not only enhance medical access but also raise health awareness, fostering a healthier community.”
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing over 2.37 million tonnes in FY2024, representing more than half of India’s total aluminium production. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products essential for core industries and ranks 2nd in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development. With world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium is dedicated to spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
Vedanta Aluminium remains steadfast in its commitment to driving comprehensive socio-economic transformation in Odisha through strategic initiatives in education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. The company works closely with local authorities and community stakeholders to ensure its interventions lead to tangible and lasting progress.