Kalahandi, Odisha — The Government of Odisha has set up a 24‑hour telemedicine unit at Vedanta Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district, benefitting more than 70,000 residents across 70 villages.

Background The telemedicine unit is a collaborative effort between the Government of Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium and Tata 1mg. The partnership was formed to strengthen healthcare access in Kalahandi by providing specialist medical consultations to communities that are otherwise isolated from urban hospitals. Vedanta Aluminium’s initiative seeks to bridge the healthcare gap in tribal regions where permanent medical facilities are scarce. By linking local patients with a network of specialist and super‑specialist doctors through a digital platform, the project aims to reduce the time and expense associated with travelling long distances for medical advice.

On Friday, 8 May 2026, at 13:40 IST, the Government of Odisha launched the first‑of‑its‑kind 24 × 7 telemedicine facility in Lanjigarh via a virtual event. The inauguration was led by Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, who highlighted the importance of technology‑driven health solutions for remote populations. A dedicated Telemedicine Room has been established within Vedanta Lanjigarh Hospital, equipped with high‑definition video conferencing tools, diagnostic peripherals and a reliable internet connection. Through the Tata 1mg app, beneficiaries can now access free audio and video consultations with nearly 30 specialist and super‑specialist doctors, covering disciplines such as cardiology, paediatrics, obstetrics and orthopaedics. The service has already reduced the need for patients to travel to district hospitals for routine consultations.

Community Impact The telemedicine unit is expected to have a significant impact on the community by delivering timely medical advice and decreasing reliance on distant urban centres. Since its launch, the facility has facilitated numerous consultations, enabling early detection of health issues and prompt initiation of treatment plans. Residents of remote villages have reported greater confidence in seeking medical help, knowing that expert guidance is available without leaving their locality. Dr Mahaling remarked that “Vedanta’s 24 × 7 telemedicine facility is a meaningful step towards improving healthcare access for communities in Kalahandi, especially in remote tribal and rural areas where timely medical consultation can make a significant difference.” Local health workers have also benefited from the platform, using it as a training resource to enhance their own diagnostic skills.

What Happens Next The telemedicine unit will continue to provide medical consultations to the community, with plans to expand services to additional villages in the adjoining districts. The partnership intends to introduce new features such as remote monitoring of chronic conditions, electronic health‑record integration and periodic health‑awareness camps conducted through the digital platform. By demonstrating the potential of technology to improve healthcare access, the initiative is being positioned as a model for other rural areas across Odisha and beyond. Ongoing evaluation will track utilisation rates, patient satisfaction and health outcomes, ensuring that the service evolves in line with community needs.