Utkal Alumina’s Nirogshalas: A move towards better Healthcare

Bureau, Odishabarta, Bhubaneswar : Aditya Birla Group’s Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL) is
immensely 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. It has launched a major health initiative titled ‘Nirogshala’
alongside, its Utkal Hospital, Nuapada Health Centres, and Mines OPDs
(Outpatient Departments).
Through its ‘Nirogshalas’ which in essence are the dispensaries at the village
level, they serve people. Currently they are set up in four villages. These are at
Rayagada and Kalahandi districts in Odisha, namely, Andirakanch, P Kupakhal,
Podapadi and Gopinathpur.
Says Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President, Utkal Alumina & Aditya Alumina
“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.”
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 Mr Beig.
While applauding the efforts of Utkal Alumina, Mr 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, malnutritionandvitamindeficiency.
The daily average footfall of patients visiting one‘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.

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.