Balconagar (India CSR): Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, has benefitted over 7000 people from local communities through its Mobile Health Unit (MHU) programme since it was launched in FY22. Run in association with Help Age India, the MHU is providing primary healthcare services free of cost to around 45 communities of Balconagar and nearby rural areas. BALCO’s steadfast endeavours towards making quality healthcare accessible for all in the community are improving the local quality of life.
Recently, BALCO also organized a Mega Health Camp at Bela village where free medical consultation was provided by orthopedists, dermatologists, pediatrician and gynecologists to around 200 registered patients during the camp. Various diagnostic tests for diabetes, blood pressure, etc. were carried out and required basic treatment was provided.
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Working on the principles of medical service at doorstep, the MHU is a van equipped with modern machinery, and is managed by doctors and trained medical staff who provide free medical advice and awareness sessions to the local communities. The MHU has been fitted with equipment for diagnosis of common diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. For the elderly and those confined within their homes, the MHU is aiding in medical treatment at home. Medicines for common ailments are also available free of cost. Besides providing doorstep healthcare services, the MHU is also spreading awareness about the importance of nutrition and cleanliness, and various health schemes and programs run by the government.
Appreciating the initiative, Jaya Rathiya, Sarpanch of Bela Gram Panchayat, said, “The rural population is comparatively more vulnerable to different diseases due to lack of awareness about health and hygiene. They are also often the victims of unscientific treatment by quacks due to the dearth of financial resources. Measures like BALCO’s medical service at doorstep programme is playing a crucial role in revolutionizing community health in the region.”
Speaking about BALCO’s commitment to transform healthcare in the vicinity, Abhijit Pati, CEO & Director, BALCO, said, “BALCO is committed to making quality healthcare accessible to local communities. Through programs like the Mobile Health Van, we are not only aiming to take medical services to the doorstep of the people residing in remote areas, but are also working towards making Korba one of the best medically facilitated districts in the region.”
Shubhankar Biswas, Head, Chhattisgarh, Help Age India, said, “Help Age India is ensuring medical care at the doorstep of Korba’s residents in partnership with BALCO. The initiative is helping in increasing the awareness level of villagers towards the various dimensions of health and wellbeing. We are proud of our association with BALCO for the implementation of this program.”
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Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) is India’s iconic aluminium producer. It is owned 49% by the Government of India and 51% by Vedanta Limited. BALCO is part of Vedanta’s Aluminium Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, which is India’s largest manufacturer of aluminium. BALCO operates a 0.57 million tonne per annum aluminium smelter in Korba, Chhattisgarh. It is also a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class smelter and power plants, the company fulfills its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
(India CSR)
