Bhubaneswar: Aditya Birla Group’s Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL) has launched a major health initiative titled ‘Nirogshala’ alongside, its Utkal Hospital, Nuapada Health Centres, and Mines OPDs (Outpatient Departments). It is engaged in several projects that make a qualitative difference to the lives of the underprivileged. One of its major intervention areas is in the domain of healthcare.
Through ‘Nirogshalas’, dispensaries have been set up in four villages at Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. These villages are Andirakanch, P Kupakhal, Podapadi and Gopinathpur.
“UAIL addresses the pressing need for improving healthcare quality in this tribal hinterland, exploring the challenges faced and potential solutions.‘Nirogshalas’ play a vital role in the hinterland of Odisha. These dispensaries provide affordable, and comprehensive primary healthcare. This initiative contributes significantly to improving health outcomes,” said Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President, Utkal Alumina & Aditya Alumina.
Each dispensary is equipped with certified medical staff, six pharmacists and four attendants. Free medicines along with consultation, health screening and emergency care are some of the key services accorded under the ‘Nirogshala’ umbrella, adds Beig.
While applauding the efforts of Utkal Alumina, Dhansingh Majhi, Sarpanch, Gopinathpur, opines, “The establishment of ‘Nirogshala’ is nothing short of a blessing for our community. It has provided us with access to essential healthcare services that were earlier out of reach. The presence of trained healthcare professionals, along with the availability of medications and medical supplies, has ensured that our villagers receive timely and quality healthcare close to home.”
These village health dispensaries cater to a wide range of medical conditions commonly encountered in rural settings. These range from common cold, dermatological problems, stomach upsets or abdomen pain, joint ache, fatigue, hypertension, diabetes, injury, malnutrition and vitamin deficiency.
The daily average footfall of patients visiting a ‘Nirogshala’ is 35. Over the past year, the four ‘Nirogshalas’ have served 28512 patients, underscoring their importance as a vital healthcare resource for the local population.
