The Business Bytes
Bongaigaon, September 07, 2024 (TBB Bureau): NTPC Bongaigaon, in partnership with the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), has inaugurated a comprehensive cancer care program in Kokrajhar district as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This program aims to provide crucial healthcare services to communities throughout the region.
The launch event was marked by the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including Kabita Deka, Additional District Commissioner of Kokrajhar, who officially inaugurated the program. Also present were Akhilesh Singh, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon; Dr. N.K. Singha, Medical Superintendent of Assam Cancer Care Foundation; Haragobinda Boro from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC); and Sangeeta Singh, President of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club.
During the launch, Dr. N.K. Singha led a guided tour of the cancer care facility, highlighting its potential to address the healthcare needs of the local community. Speaking at the event, Akhilesh Singh underscored the importance of this initiative, stating that it represents a critical milestone in NTPC Bongaigaon’s dedication to community welfare. He expressed optimism that the program, which aims to reach over 42,000 people across various villages, would significantly contribute to early cancer detection and treatment, thereby fostering a healthier future for all.
Kabita Deka commended the collaboration between NTPC Bongaigaon and the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, noting that it directly addresses a pressing healthcare challenge in the region. She highlighted the potential of the initiative to bring essential services to remote areas and assured the district administration’s full support in ensuring its success.
Dr. N.K. Singha reiterated the foundation’s commitment to combating cancer through early detection, awareness, and timely intervention. He explained that the program would include door-to-door screenings, awareness sessions, and home-based palliative care, creating a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem for the people of Kokrajhar.
The event also saw active participation from the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, led by its President, Sangeeta Singh. The club, a strong advocate for community health and welfare initiatives in Kokrajhar, pledged its support to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection, contributing to the program’s success.
Key officials from NTPC Bongaigaon, including Dr. Deepayan Paul, Chief Medical Officer; Paresh Mathur, AGM (Technical Services); Madhurjya Singha Lahkar, Sr. Manager (HR-Corporate Communication); Pranami Handique, Sr. Manager (HR); and Aduity Thakuri, CSR Executive, also spoke on the advantages of the program, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the community’s health.
The program’s launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between NTPC Bongaigaon and ACCF on August 27, 2024, marking a significant step towards enhancing healthcare in Kokrajhar. With a project value of Rs 32.7 lakh, this initiative aims to address the growing cancer burden by providing preventive and diagnostic care services to a large population across the district.
Covering four Block Primary Health Centers (BPHCs) and approximately 80 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) in Kokrajhar, the cancer care initiative focuses on early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers. This will be achieved through screenings conducted by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), public awareness sessions, and home-based palliative care for cancer patients.
This collaboration exemplifies NTPC Bongaigaon’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The project aligns with Schedule VII, Sub-section (i) of the Companies Act 2013, and the CPSE common theme for 2024-25, “Health & Nutrition,” as prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
