Angul, December 19, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Jindal Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Jindal Steel and Power (JSP), launched its flagship initiative, the Kishori Express, in Pallahara Block on Wednesday. This mobile health unit, aimed at addressing critical adolescent health and nutrition concerns, particularly the elimination of anaemia among young girls, was flagged off in a ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries.
The Kishori Express, a specially designed mobile health van, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a touch-screen computer for health quizzes, a blood analyser, Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets, sanitary pads, lancet needles, and a team of trained professionals to deliver essential health services. The van is poised to serve as a vital resource for improving the health and well-being of adolescent girls in the rural areas of Pallahara.
The initiative was launched in the presence of Pallahara MLA Ashok Mohanty, Angul district Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and Public Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Sibananda Mohanty, and Pallahara Sub-Collector Sushanta Kumar Pati. The event also saw the participation of several distinguished guests, including ADPHO (FW) Dr. Antaryami Mishra, ADPHO-Vector Borne Diseases Dr. Purnima Ugdata, Pallahara Block Chairperson Rinarani Nayak, and other prominent figures from the Health, ICDS, and Education Departments.
Speaking at the launch, MLA Ashok Mohanty commended Jindal Foundation’s ongoing efforts in community welfare, noting, “Kishori Express will be a game-changer in addressing the health challenges faced by young girls in rural areas. It will provide crucial health services and raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and health management.”
The Kishori Express is a collaborative effort between Jindal Foundation, the Health, ICDS, and Education Departments. The project aims to combat anaemia among adolescent girls through a comprehensive approach that combines awareness, education, and medical intervention. The focus is on improving haemoglobin (Hb) levels and educating both the adolescent girls and their families about the health risks of low Hb levels, encouraging proactive health measures.
The mobile unit will travel across all 27 gram panchayats in the Pallahara block, visiting schools and Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). The dedicated team, comprising qualified paramedics, counsellors, and computer operators, will ensure smooth operations and effective implementation. Regular reports will be shared with block and district-level authorities for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the project’s progress.
The Kishori Express initiative is part of Jindal Foundation’s broader mission to improve the health outcomes of adolescent girls in India. To date, the foundation has made significant strides, positively impacting the haemoglobin levels of over 7.5 lakh girls across four states, helping them overcome the challenges posed by various stages of anaemia.
This pioneering initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring better health and nutrition for adolescent girls in rural India, empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed to lead healthier, more productive lives.
Jindal Foundation is the CSR arm of Jindal Steel and Power (JSP), focused on creating a positive and lasting impact in the areas of education, healthcare, rural development, and sustainable livelihoods. Through its various initiatives, the Foundation aims to uplift communities, especially in rural India, by addressing critical challenges and creating sustainable solutions for social development.