Vedanta Aluminium conducts cancer awareness drive around Lanjigarh operations

By Ipsita Das

Lanjigarh, Feb. 10:  Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has conducted a two-day cancer awareness campaign in communities surrounding its Lanjigarh alumina refinery, reinforcing its commitment to improving access to patient-friendly cancer care in rural Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

The initiative focused on spreading awareness about cancer prevention, early detection and available treatment pathways, reaching over 500 people, including frontline health workers, students and local residents. Medical experts led interactive sessions aimed at equipping communities with practical knowledge to identify early symptoms and seek timely medical intervention.

A key component of the campaign was a community-centric outreach programme held in Kankeri village, where residents interacted directly with doctors to better understand cancer detection, treatment options and recovery processes. The programme helped bridge the gap between specialised medical expertise and grassroots healthcare delivery in remote areas.

The campaign was inaugurated at the Lanjigarh Block Office with dedicated awareness sessions for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and ASHA workers, recognising their critical role in early screening, community counselling and referral services. Specialised sessions were also organised for students and community members.

Extending the outreach to educational institutions, the initiative covered SSD School and Banipanga Girls’ High School, where students were sensitised to early warning signs of cancer and lifestyle factors influencing long-term health. The engagement aimed to reduce social stigma associated with the disease and encourage young people to act as health ambassadors within their families and communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Vedanta Alumina Business, said access to quality healthcare was essential for socio-economic development. He said Vedanta Lanjigarh remains committed to improving community well-being through targeted healthcare interventions, particularly in cancer care.

Vedanta highlighted that advanced patient care services are available at its Lanjigarh hospital, while specialised cancer treatment is supported at the BMC facility in Chhattisgarh. The company said it continues to strengthen healthcare access across its operational areas, ensuring long-term support beyond awareness initiatives in Odisha’s tribal heartland.