Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium has enhanced healthcare access for remote communities in Odisha by strengthening medical service delivery at the Sunger Primary Health Centre (PHC) through the deployment of skilled medical personnel and essential healthcare support. This initiative, part of the company’s Sijimali Bauxite Mines CSR efforts, significantly expands health coverage in the region.
In collaboration with the District Health Administration of Rayagada, this initiative addresses ongoing healthcare manpower shortages at the Sunger PHC, which serves approximately 20,000 individuals in the hilly and tribal areas, in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.
Vedanta Aluminium has provided support for all 11 staff positions at the PHC, including an MBBS doctor, AYUSH doctor, pharmacist, and nursing staff, along with ambulance services. During the last health camp, community members specifically requested a permanent doctor and nursing staff, and this intervention directly addresses that need. A mortuary van is also proposed as part of the broader healthcare enhancement effort, although it has not yet been deployed.
The enhanced healthcare services were officially inaugurated on May 22, 2026, marking a significant advancement in access to timely and quality healthcare for communities in the Sijimali region. The improved medical services are expected to greatly reduce the necessity for villagers to travel long distances for basic treatment and emergency care, ensuring quicker medical attention for pregnant women, children, elderly residents, and critically ill patients in surrounding remote villages.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Govinda Ch Naik, husband of Kuni Kumari Naik, Ex Vice Chairman of Kashipur Block; Sunil Kumar Rai, Kashipur Block Program Manager (National Health Mission); Damayanti Sahoo, ANM; along with local health officials, Samiti Members, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA Workers, SHG members, and community representatives. Approximately 200 attendees participated in the event, reflecting strong community support for the initiative.
During the occasion, Suryanaryana Singh, Head Master of Dumerpadar School, stated, “The Sunger PHC catchment area had been facing shortages in healthcare manpower, impacting access to medical services for local communities. Vedanta Aluminium’s intervention is expected to bridge these critical gaps by strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, enabling faster medical response, and ensuring better continuity of care for residents across surrounding villages.”
Vedanta Aluminium has been implementing various healthcare initiatives across Odisha to enhance access to quality medical services in remote and underserved areas. These efforts include mobile health units, health awareness campaigns, maternal and child healthcare programs, specialist health camps, nutrition initiatives, and infrastructure support to government healthcare institutions. The company also serves communities in Koraput district through interventions at Kodingamali mines.
The Mobile Health Unit plays a crucial role in this broader outreach by delivering essential healthcare services directly to people’s doorsteps, including basic consultations, screenings, primary treatment, referral support, and health awareness services for remote villages with limited access to fixed medical facilities. The company’s healthcare initiatives have positively impacted thousands of community members by facilitating timely diagnosis, preventive care, emergency medical support, and improved healthcare accessibility closer to their homes.
