Utkal Alumina’s Nirog Shalas: Advancing Healthcare for Better Well-being
Bhubaneswar: Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL), a part of the Aditya Birla Group, is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of the underprivileged through various impactful projects. Among its key initiatives is a significant focus on healthcare, exemplified by the launch of the ‘Nirogshala’ health program, complementing its Utkal Hospital, Nuapada Health Centres, and Mines OPDs.
The ‘Nirogshalas’ function as village-level dispensaries, currently operational in four villages within Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts—namely, Andirakanch, P Kupakhal, Podapadi, and Gopinathpur. Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President of Utkal Alumina & Aditya Alumina, emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare challenges in tribal areas, with ‘Nirogshalas’ playing a pivotal role in providing affordable and comprehensive primary healthcare.
Each ‘Nirogshala’ is staffed with certified medical personnel, including six pharmacists and four attendants, offering free medicines, consultations, health screenings, and emergency care. Dhansingh Majhi, the Sarpanch of Gopinathpur, lauds the establishment of ‘Nirogshalas’ as a boon for the community, facilitating access to essential healthcare services that were previously inaccessible.
These dispensaries address a wide range of medical conditions commonly found in rural settings, including colds, dermatological issues, digestive problems, joint pain, hypertension, diabetes, injuries, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies. With an average daily footfall of 35 patients per ‘Nirogshala,’ these facilities have collectively served 28,512 patients over the past year, highlighting their significance as crucial healthcare resources for the local population.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Utkal Aluminium International Ltd. is committed towards the socio-economic wellbeing and transforming the lives in the tribal hinterland. All UAIL’s projects are carried out under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Mrs. Rajashree Birla. Utkal’s engagement extends to 232 villages of 25 Gram Panchayats of Odisha. UAIL enriches the lives of more than 2,01,000 people through its 5 pillars of interventions: education, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, rural infrastructure and addressing the issues of their socio-economic concern inline with UNSDGs.
