The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 10, 2025
In a major step towards strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, Hindalco Industries Ltd, in collaboration with the Similipal Tiger Conservation Foundation (STCF), has launched an ambulance service to serve tribal communities in the remote interiors of the Similipal forest. The initiative, flagged off on Thursday at Barehipani, aims to facilitate emergency medical transportation for residents of Gudugudia, Barehipani, and Astakuanr panchayats in Jashipur block.
The launch event was graced by Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Odisha’s Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, alongside senior officials from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, the Regional Chief Conservator of Forest (RCCF) Baripada, district administration, Health Department, and Himanshu Sahoo, AVP (Corporate Affairs), Aditya Birla Group.
Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Hindalco has donated two fully-equipped ambulances, designed to provide timely and safe patient transportation from the forest’s inaccessible areas to the nearest healthcare facilities. These vehicles are outfitted with essential medical equipment, ensuring immediate assistance during emergencies in regions where healthcare access remains limited due to rugged terrain and lack of connectivity.
The ambulance service will be operated and managed by the Similipal Tiger Conservation Foundation, ensuring seamless integration with the region’s public health network and sustained service delivery.
Minister Singkhuntia lauded the initiative, calling it a meaningful example of public-private partnership in addressing healthcare disparities in tribal and forest-dwelling communities. He urged other corporates to draw inspiration from Hindalco’s proactive approach to social welfare and contribute to inclusive development.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce delays in accessing medical care, potentially saving lives and improving health outcomes for thousands of residents across the Similipal region. It also underscores the power of collaboration in bridging service delivery gaps and building resilient, self-sustaining communities.
