Utkal Alumina’s ‘Nirogshalas’ A Blessing For Villagers Of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Aditya Birla Group’s Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL) has launched a healthcare initiative titled ‘Nirogshala’ alongside its Utkal Hospital, Nuapada Health Centres and Mines outpatient departments(OPDs).

‘Nirogshalas’ are dispensaries set up to serve people at the village level. These are currently in Andirakanch, Kupakhal, Podapadi and Gopinathpur villages of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.

“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.

Every dispensary is equipped with certified medical staff, six pharmacists and four attendants.

The key services provided to villagers include consultation, free medicines, health screening and emergency care.

“The establishment of ‘Nirogshala’ is 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,” said Gopinathpur sarpanch Dhansingh Majhi.

The nirogshalas cater to a wide range of medical conditions commonly encountered in rural settings, ranging 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 one ‘nirogshala’ is 35. The four nirogshalas have served 28,512 patients over the past year.