Vedanta Provides Healthcare to Dongria Kondhs during Epidemic

March 31, 2009 - PRLog -- After the outbreak of diarrhea and cholera epidemic, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc has provided medical care to the tribal people, mostly Dongria Kondhs in Kurli Gram Panchayat in Bissamkatak block of Rayagada District (Orissa, India).

The epidemic started on March 8, 2009 has affected all the families in Kurli, Khambesi, and Mundbahali under this GP. Soon after getting information regarding outbreak of the epidemic Vedanta Aluminium sent its mobile medical unit to the spot and provided immediate medical treatment. Serious patients were admitted at the nearest Christian Hospital, Bissamkatak by this Aluminium producer. By end of March third week the Company has provided comprehensive medical treatment support to 382 persons from these villages at Christian Hospital, Bissamkatak. The company provided medicine, food and other expenses for treatment of epidemic affected persons.  “Vedanta is the first and only agency to stand with us during this time of difficulties,” said Ramesh Wadeka, a member of Dongria Kondh Tribal Community Kurli Village.

The Company also organized a mega health camp at Kurli on March 10, 2009 to provide treatment to the people, mostly Dongria Kondhs. In this Camp, more than 400 patients availed health services. The company provided free medicine and medical consultation. “We got primary treatment and medicines from the camp,” said Sundara Wadeka of Khambesi Village.

“Health of people around our plant is highly important for us. As a responsible corporate citizen, it is our obligation to provide health care support in advent any kind of epidemic,” said Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh.

Besides health the company has also initiated interventions to provide improved livelihood to the Dongria Kondhs, especially women. About 60 women in Kurli and Khambesi villages have come forward for spice making and leaf plate making, supported by Vedanta. “Thirty women shall be engaged in spice making and another 30 will be making leaf plate,” added Dr. Mukesh.

The intervention by Vedanta is highly appreciated by Dongria Kondh Community in these villages. The tribal members are confident that their lives shall be better than before, after the intervention by this leading Aluminium producer. Pradeep Wadeka another tribal from the area said, “We have seen the Company’s development activities at Lanjigarh and we hope The Company shall also take similar activities in improving our roads, health, education and livelihood.”

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Vedanta Aluminium Limited is a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc, a London Stock Exchange listed, FTSE 100 Global Metals & Mining Group, having interests in aluminium, copper, zinc, lead and recently, iron & steel.