Bhubaneswar, Jul 6: Vedanta Aluminium’s Coal Mines has expanded essential healthcare access in Odisha’s Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts through its Mobile Health Unit (MHU) programme, benefitting more than 50,000 people across 16 villages. The initiative addresses the persistent challenge of limited medical facilities in remote communities, officials said on Monday.

Over the past three years, the programme has organised over 3,500 free health camps and 1,100 awareness sessions, offering consultations, screenings, diagnostic support, and medicines. It has also educated communities on anaemia prevention, maternal and child health, hygiene, deworming, tobacco cessation, malaria control, heatstroke prevention, and lifestyle-related diseases.

The MHUs emphasise early diagnosis and continuity of care, regularly monitoring chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, while treating common ailments including anaemia, gastric disorders, respiratory infections, fungal infections, joint pain, and skin diseases. Preventive outreach and follow-up care have become central to improving long-term health outcomes.

The initiative spans five villages in Jharsuguda and ten in Sundargarh, ensuring consistent access to primary healthcare. Community members have welcomed the programme, noting its impact in reducing dependence on distant facilities.

Amares Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium’s Coal Mines, said, “Our Mobile Health Unit programme focuses on improving access to primary healthcare in the communities around us. Now, we see more people coming forward for timely consultations and follow-up care, reflecting the growing need for such services in these regions.”

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Dr. Indraprakash Prajapati, part of the MHU team, highlighted the importance of early intervention: “One of the biggest challenges in remote villages is that people often wait until an illness becomes severe before seeking medical attention. With the support of the Mobile Health Unit, we identify health concerns early, provide timely treatment, and ensure regular follow-up.”

Residents such as Sorojini Thakur of Kudaloi village have praised the initiative for bringing doctors and medicines to their doorstep.

Vedanta Aluminium’s Coal Mines has reached over two lakh people across 26 villages through community development programmes in healthcare, education, livelihoods, infrastructure, and social development, underscoring its commitment to inclusive growth in Odisha.