The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 6, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): Aditya Birla Group’s Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL) is deeply involved in numerous projects aimed at significantly improving the lives of the underprivileged. One of its primary focuses lies in the realm of healthcare, where it has initiated a substantial health program named ‘Nirogshala’ in conjunction with its Utkal Hospital, Nuapada Health Centres, and Mines OPDs (Outpatient Departments).
These ‘Nirogshalas’, essentially dispensaries at the village level, currently serve communities in four villages — Andirakanch, P Kupakhal, Podapadi, and Gopinathpur — situated in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha.
“UAIL addresses the urgent need to enhance healthcare quality in this tribal hinterland, identifying challenges and potential solutions. ‘Nirogshalas’ are pivotal in the Odisha hinterland, offering accessible, affordable, and comprehensive primary healthcare. This initiative significantly contributes to enhancing health outcomes,” says Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President, Utkal Alumina & Aditya Alumina.
Each dispensary is staffed with certified medical personnel, including six pharmacists and four attendants. Free medicines, consultations, health screenings, and emergency care are among the key services provided under the ‘Nirogshala’ initiative, adds Mr. Beig.
Commending Utkal Alumina’s efforts, Dhansingh Majhi, Sarpanch of Gopinathpur, remarks, “The establishment of ‘Nirogshalas’ is nothing short of a blessing for our community. It has granted us access to essential healthcare services that were previously beyond our reach. The presence of trained healthcare professionals, coupled with the availability of medications and medical supplies, ensures that our villagers receive timely and quality healthcare close to home.”
These village health dispensaries address a wide range of medical conditions commonly encountered in rural settings, from common colds to dermatological issues, stomach upsets, joint pain, hypertension, diabetes, injuries, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies.
The daily average footfall of patients visiting one ‘Nirogshala’ is 35. Over the past year, the four ‘Nirogshalas’ have served 28,512 patients, highlighting their significance as a vital healthcare resource for the local population.
As a responsible corporate entity, Utkal Aluminium International Ltd. is committed to the socio-economic well-being and transformation of lives in the tribal hinterland. All UAIL projects are carried out under the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Rajashree Birla. Utkal’s engagement extends to 232 villages of 25 gram panchayats in Odisha, enriching the lives of over 2,01,000 people through its five pillars of intervention: education, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, rural infrastructure, and addressing socio-economic concerns in line with UNSDGs.
