In a major step toward improving healthcare access in remote regions of Odisha, DrMukesh Mahaling, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, inaugurated Vedanta Aluminium’s 24×7 Telemedicine Facility at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district. The initiative, launched in partnership with Tata 1mg through a virtual event, is designed to provide timely medical consultation and specialist healthcare services to rural and tribal communities across the region.
The telemedicine initiative aims to bridge healthcare gaps by enabling residents, employees, families, and local communities to connect with medical specialists without the need for long-distance travel. A dedicated Telemedicine Room has been established at Vedanta Lanjigarh Hospital to facilitate assisted consultations and improve access to healthcare services for people in surrounding villages.
Through the Tata 1mg mobile application, beneficiaries will be able to access free audio and video consultations with nearly 30 specialist and super-specialist doctors. The service is expected to benefit more than 70,000 people across nearly 70 villages in Kalahandi and adjoining areas.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Mahaling said the initiative represents an important advancement in healthcare accessibility for underserved communities. He noted that improved access to specialist medical consultation can have a meaningful impact on rural and tribal populations where healthcare infrastructure remains limited. He also highlighted Vedanta’s broader contribution in areas such as education, women empowerment, livelihoods, and community development.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, stated that Odisha remains central to Vedanta’s growth strategy and that community well-being continues to be a key focus area for the company. He said the telemedicine facility strengthens last-mile healthcare delivery while supporting inclusive development across Kalahandi and nearby regions.
Vedanta Aluminium has been implementing several social development initiatives across Odisha. Project Aarogya focuses on preventive healthcare, medical outreach, and health camps in remote villages. Project Sakhi supports women through entrepreneurship programs and self-help groups, while Project Sangam works to improve farmer livelihoods through watershed development and climate-resilient agriculture.
The company has also invested in education and child development through institutions such as DAV Vedanta International School and Nand Ghars, which provide modernized anganwadi services including early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare support, and women empowerment initiatives. Vedanta Aluminium stated that its community development programs across Odisha have positively impacted more than one million people, supported by investments exceeding ₹500 crore in social initiatives over the years.
The event also highlighted Vedanta’s alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, one of the largest alumina refineries outside China, with an annual production capacity of 5 million tonnes. The refinery has played a significant role in strengthening Odisha’s industrial growth while creating employment, supporting local enterprises, and contributing to regional socio-economic development.
