Kalahandi, Odisha — Vedanta Aluminium’s Project Aarogya has provided healthcare services to nearly 1.26 lakh people in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts in the most recent financial year.

Background

Access to healthcare in the interior regions of Rayagada and Kalahandi has long been hindered by distance, rugged terrain and low awareness. Scattered villages and limited transport options, combined with medical facilities concentrated in semi‑urban towns, have created significant challenges in combating seasonal diseases and managing chronic conditions.

The programme has deployed well‑equipped Mobile Health Units that regularly cover more than 100 villages in the remotest parts of the two districts. These units operate as portable primary‑care centres, offering consultations, diagnostics and medicines where the nearest health facility may be several kilometres away. In addition, the project organised twelve mega health camps across Kalahandi, benefitting over 5,000 patients by bringing multi‑specialty services to underserved areas. As a result, nearly 1.26 lakh residents have received care through the initiative.

Community Impact

The project has had a measurable impact on local communities. Bhumita Majhi, a resident of Rayagada, said, “Earlier we ignored small symptoms because visiting a hospital meant losing a workday. Now check‑ups happen in the village itself. This project has been a true boon for our communities.” The Mobile Health Units have become a lifeline for many, providing the first consistent point of contact with trained medical professionals.

Beyond direct service delivery, the initiative has raised awareness about preventive care. Its focus on early diagnosis and continuity of care has been critical for vulnerable tribal and rural populations, encouraging healthier behaviours and reducing the severity of common ailments.

What Happens Next

Vedanta Aluminium continues to implement Project Aarogya and is expected to expand its reach and services, further strengthening healthcare delivery in Rayagada and Kalahandi. With a community‑centred approach, the programme aims to create lasting improvements in health outcomes for people across these regions.