Sundargarh, March 17: In collaboration with Chhattisgarh's Raipur-based BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), one of India’s leading cancer care hospitals, Vedanta Aluminium recently conducted an extensive cancer screening and awareness drive under its healthcare initiative “Project Arogyam - Cure with Care”, at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Belpahar, adjacent Jharsuguda district, and Bileimunda in Sundargarh district here in Odisha.

BMC’s state-of-the-art mobile cancer detection van was deployed at the health camps to conduct a broad range of critical screenings including Mammography, Pap Smear Test (PEP) and Brush Cytology.

BMC will also provide free treatment for those requiring further medical care along with accommodation for one attendant accompanying the patient during the treatment period.

A total of 182 people from the local community benefitted from the healthcare services that were offered during the screening drive.

Jitender Munda, Assistant Block Development Officer (ABDO), Hemgir (Sundargarh), said, “Vedanta’s screening and awareness camp is a significant step towards bringing improved health interventions to the region, because early detection and awareness are crucial in the fight against cancer.”

“I thank the company for coming forward with this initiative and creating a positive difference in the lives of the residents here most of whom cannot afford the costs associated with testing and treatment,” the ABDO remarked.

Highlighting Vedanta’s community health initiatives, Mr. David Stone, CEO, Coal Mines, said, “Community health is an important pillar of our social impact endeavours. Our diverse health interventions, which include well-equipped mobile health units and regular health camps, reach out to the remotest corners of the state where they are needed the most.”

“Through our association with BMC, we are facilitating early medical interventions and enhancing rural health awareness, thereby improving the quality of life in the region,” the CEO said.