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BHUBANESWAR, JULY 8, 2025
Once synonymous with famine, malnutrition, and disease, Kalahandi in Odisha is now steadily emerging as a beacon of rural health and hope — thanks to the tireless efforts of doctors and healthcare teams supported by Vedanta Aluminium. In remote villages where medical access was once a distant dream, the reassuring presence of doctors and mobile clinics now symbolizes trust, progress, and transformation. Through its robust healthcare initiatives, Vedanta has reached over 120 villages, positively impacting more than one lakh individuals in 2024 alone.
At the center of this transformation is Vedanta Hospital in Lanjigarh, which sees nearly 60,000 patient visits every year. Located in one of India’s most underserved districts, the hospital serves as a crucial lifeline for tribal and rural populations who previously had to travel long distances even for basic care. Staffed by a dedicated team of eight doctors, the facility offers round-the-clock medical services that combine accessibility, compassion, and quality.
A standout achievement of the hospital is its free cataract surgery program, conducted in collaboration with Jagannath Netralaya, Bhawanipatna. In 2025, the hospital completed 250 surgeries, bringing the total number of restored visions to 1,507. These procedures have given hundreds of elderly patients the priceless gift of sight and dignity. The hospital also houses state-of-the-art physiotherapy services, setting a benchmark in the region. Additionally, Vedanta’s free ambulance service has become a game-changer for emergency medical access, providing critical transport to nearby villages.
Dr. Amit Kumar
Dr. Amit Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at Vedanta Hospital, commended his colleagues, saying, “In remote areas where quality healthcare is scarce, the dedication, compassion, and perseverance of our medical team bring not only treatment but also hope and healing.”
The hospital is also integrated with the National Digital Health Mission, participating in the pilot of the Digital Health Card project to enhance patient record-keeping and accessibility. As an Employer’s Utilization Dispensary under the ESIC Scheme, it reflects Vedanta’s commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare for both employees and the wider community.
Vedanta’s healthcare efforts extend far beyond the hospital walls through its Mobile Health Units (MHUs), which visit 65 villages monthly. These units offer free check-ups, early disease detection, and referrals, playing a crucial role in combating ailments like tuberculosis. As part of the Prime Minister’s Nikshay Mitra initiative, Vedanta distributes over 300 nutrition baskets every month to TB patients, supporting their recovery through dietary care.
In addition to treatment, Vedanta emphasizes preventive health. Monthly multi-specialty health camps and hygiene awareness drives are regularly conducted to promote sanitation and healthy living. Over the past year,
Assistive Support Camps for Persons with Disabilities have benefitted more than 80 individuals, equipping them with mobility aids and personalized consultations — furthering the company’s vision of inclusive healthcare.
Dr. Nasreen Ali
“In a place like Kalahandi, where resources are limited but the need is great, we serve not just as doctors, but as a source of reassurance and renewed belief in better days,” said Dr. Nasreen Ali, Paediatric Specialist at Vedanta Hospital.
In 2014, Vedanta extended its impact by partnering with Maa Santoshi Jan Kalyan (MSJK) Hospital in Bankakundru, about 25 km from Lanjigarh. Once the sole medical facility for a handful of villages, MSJK Hospital now serves nearly 300 villages across 15 Gram Panchayats, touching the lives of 25,000 people annually. This transformation, made possible through Vedanta’s support, has had a profound effect not only on patients but also on the medical professionals who serve there.
Dr. Samarendra Patra, who has been serving at MSJK Hospital for over seven years, reflects, “Providing care in a remote tribal community is more than a profession — it’s a deeply fulfilling act of service and devotion.”
From the corridors of Vedanta Hospital in Lanjigarh to the doorsteps of villagers reached by mobile health units, a quiet revolution in healthcare is underway. In a region where hope was once scarce, Vedanta’s medical heroes are now walking hand-in-hand with communities toward a healthier, more dignified future — demonstrating the power of compassionate, community-driven healthcare.
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