The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 24, 2025
Once emblematic of poverty, deprivation, and disease, Odisha’s Kalahandi district has witnessed a stunning transformation over the past two decades. Once plagued by inadequate health infrastructure and an unrelenting malaria epidemic, the region is now emerging as a model of grassroots healthcare reform — thanks to Vedanta Aluminium’s long-term commitment to community well-being.
For years, malaria cast a long shadow over Kalahandi. In its remote villages, limited access to healthcare, low awareness, and poor sanitation allowed vector-borne diseases to thrive. That narrative, however, began to shift in 2003 with the establishment of Vedanta’s alumina refinery in Lanjigarh. More than an industrial project, it sparked a full-scale developmental movement — anchored in health.
Zero malarial deaths since 2017: A public health milestone
Vedanta Aluminium placed malaria eradication at the heart of its social impact strategy. The company distributed nearly one lakh long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets, installed anti-fogging systems, and ran large-scale awareness campaigns tailored to the community’s specific needs. The results were remarkable: since 2017, not a single malarial death has been reported in villages covered by Vedanta’s interventions.
Bringing healthcare home: From skepticism to trust
Prevention was only part of the solution. To ensure access to treatment, Vedanta established a modern 20-bed hospital in Lanjigarh, offering entirely free services — from diagnostics and consultations to surgeries and emergency care. This facility soon became a lifeline for thousands who previously had to travel long distances to ill-equipped government centers.
Trust in formal healthcare began to grow. “In 2005, barely anyone would go to a hospital,” a local resident recalls. “Now, we not only go to Vedanta Hospital — we also visit government hospitals with confidence.” In 2024 alone, over 67,000 people sought treatment at Vedanta Hospital.
To extend its reach, Vedanta also supports the Maa Santoshi Jankalyan Foundation (MSJK) Hospital — a 10-bed facility serving nine gram panchayats in one of the most inaccessible parts of the Lanjigarh block. In just four years, over 70,000 people from 120 remote villages received treatment here. Additionally, mobile healthcare units have delivered quality medical services to more than 23,000 individuals in hard-to-reach areas.
A cultural shift toward health and hygiene
This transformation wasn’t only about building hospitals — it was about shifting mindsets. Communities that once resigned themselves to illness began embracing science-based prevention and care. A 2020 Sattva Report found that nearly 50 percent of Lanjigarh-area respondents noticed a sharp decline in malaria, with many directly crediting Vedanta’s interventions.
“After Vedanta came, things changed for the people,” shared Prasanta Behera, a local resident. “Employment rose, and so did access to health facilities.” Stories like his echo across village after village — testimonies of people reclaiming their health and dignity.
The ripple effect: Change that travels beyond borders
The impact has transcended Lanjigarh. Hygiene practices and disease awareness have spread to neighboring blocks, even where Vedanta’s healthcare programs haven’t yet reached. The result? A powerful ripple effect — proof that community-centered development can ignite widespread behavioral change.
Health as a human right, not a luxury
Vedanta’s work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #3: Good Health and Well-Being for All. More than a CSR initiative, this is corporate social commitment in action — offering free, high-quality healthcare with a focus on the underserved.
In a district once synonymous with headlines of hunger, malnutrition, and neglect, Kalahandi now tells a different story — one of resilience, awareness, and health equity. By weaving health together with education, water access, and livelihoods, Vedanta has addressed the root causes of disease — not just its symptoms.
At the heart of this change is a powerful collaboration between industry, government, and the community. Together, they’ve not only defeated malaria, but also despair — proving that with the right intent, even the most forgotten corners can shine.
