Bhawanipatna, Feb 9: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has launched a two day cancer awareness campaign in the communities surrounding its Lanjigarh alumina refinery in Odisha, underscoring its commitment to healthcare access in rural Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh, officials said on Monday.

The initiative reached more than 500 people, including frontline health workers, students, and villagers, with sessions on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment pathways. Doctors engaged directly with residents in Kankeri village, offering practical guidance on recognising symptoms and navigating recovery.

The programme was inaugurated at the Lanjigarh Block Office with awareness sessions for Anganwadi and ASHA workers, equipping them to act as first responders in their communities. Specialised sessions were also held in schools such as SSD School and Banipanga Girls’ High School, where students were sensitised to lifestyle factors influencing long term health. By involving young people, Vedanta aimed to break the stigma surrounding cancer and encourage students to serve as health ambassadors within their families.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Access to quality healthcare is a catalyst for socio economic progress. At Vedanta Lanjigarh, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on community well being. Through targeted interventions in cancer care, we strive to elevate health standards in Kalahandi and contribute to holistic regional development.”

The campaign highlighted clear healthcare pathways, linking community members to advanced cancer care services at Vedanta’s Lanjigarh hospital and the BMC facility in Chhattisgarh. By bridging grassroots outreach with institutional medical expertise, the company reinforced its role in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Odisha’s tribal heartland.

Vedanta Aluminium’s initiative reflects a broader corporate commitment to community focused healthcare, ensuring that awareness translates into tangible support for patients in some of India’s most underserved regions.