THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 11, 2026

Reinforcing its commitment to community welfare, Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, continues to expand healthcare accessibility in southern Odisha through the sustained operation of Utkal Hospital at Tikiri (Osapada) in Rayagada district. Over the years, the hospital has emerged as a dependable healthcare hub for rural and remote communities that often face challenges in accessing timely and quality medical services.

Serving as a cornerstone of UAIL’s flagship healthcare initiative, Project Aarogyam 01, Utkal Hospital provides critical medical support across Osapada, Tikiri, Kashipur, Rayagada, and parts of Koraput district. In coordination with Nuapada Health Centres, the hospital treats nearly 7,500 patients every month, while another 2,500 patients receive care at the company-operated First Aid Centre.

The 22-bedded Utkal Hospital offers round-the-clock specialist care supported by experienced doctors in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Medicine, Surgery, Anaesthesia, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, and General Physician services. Visiting specialists in ENT, Dental, Dermatology, and Orthopaedics further enhance access to multidisciplinary medical expertise for patients in the region.

Commenting on the initiatives, UAIL Unit Head Rabi Mishra said, “Healthcare is one of the most critical pillars of sustainable community development. Through Project Aarogyam 01, Utkal Hospital is ensuring that quality medical services reach people living in remote regions. Our focus is to strengthen last-mile healthcare delivery by providing modern diagnostics, specialist care, and emergency services so that no individual is deprived of timely treatment due to distance or lack of facilities.”

Equipped with modern medical infrastructure and advanced diagnostic facilities including CT scan, Computed X-Ray, Endoscopy, and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery capabilities, Utkal Hospital has earned strong trust among local communities. Its well-equipped laboratory, featuring hormone, biochemistry, CBC, and electrolyte analysers, ensures accurate diagnosis and timely clinical decision-making. In addition, a modern physiotherapy unit supports rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, stroke, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, significantly improving recovery outcomes and quality of life.

During critical public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the diarrhoea outbreak in Kashipur block in 2023, Utkal Hospital played a crucial role in providing timely treatment and advanced care, enabling residents to access modern healthcare services without travelling long distances to urban centres.

To expand outreach further, UAIL operates Mobile Health Units (MHUs) supported by a fleet comprising two Advanced Life Support ambulances, three Basic Life Support ambulances, and one hearse van. Together, these services extend emergency medical coverage across more than 470 villages. The initiative currently benefits nearly 57,000 people across Rayagada, Koraput, and Kalahandi districts through regular health check-ups, vaccination drives, and awareness programmes focusing on maternal health, nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.

Beneficiaries from nearby villages have acknowledged the hospital’s significant impact on their lives. Kailash Majhi, a villager of Tikiri shared, “Earlier, we had to travel to far-off cities for even basic treatment, which was expensive and time-consuming. Now, with Utkal Hospital nearby, we are getting good doctors, diagnostic facilities, and emergency ambulance support within our reach. It has brought great relief to families in our village.”

By delivering affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare services closer to home, Utkal Hospital continues to reduce the need for patients to travel to distant cities, thereby strengthening healthcare resilience across rural Odisha and reaffirming Utkal Alumina’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable community development.

As a responsible corporate citizen driven by a constant commitment to give back to society, the Aditya Birla Group in Odisha reaches out to more than 5 lakh people, touching over 2 lakh lives across 128 villages. The Group’s CSR initiatives are conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Rajashree Birla. Guided by its vision to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which it operates and beyond, the Group’s efforts are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its endeavour is to reduce the burden of poverty among underserved populations, foster inclusive growth, and build a more sustainable way of life for marginalised communities — truly striving to be a force for good.