Bhubaneswar, Odisha: 20th September 2025: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has joined forces with the District Health Department, Government of Odisha, under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, to enhance screening and early detection of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Thalassemia in Kalahandi district. Launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in July 2023, the mission aims to eliminate these diseases as a public health issue by 2047 through early screening, genetic counseling, and appropriate treatment.
As part of this effort, Vedanta Aluminium has deployed its Mobile Health Units (MHUs) to conduct screening drives in Nakrundi, Talampadar, and Gunpur Gram Panchayats in Rampur block, which are among the most affected areas in Kalahandi.
Individuals aged between 0 and 40 years are being screened using diagnostic kits provided by the District Health Department.
Vedanta Aluminium has been providing quality healthcare through its flagship MHU services.
In the past two years, the company has conducted over 1,000 free health camps in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. Each MHU is fully equipped with diagnostic tools, essential medicines, and is staffed by qualified doctors, nurses, and technicians. These units offer immediate medical care and also promote awareness about preventive healthcare in remote areas.
The Odisha Government has increased its efforts to detect and manage SCD and Thalassemia, focusing on high-risk tribal areas.
Patients are receiving free medicines, blood transfusions, transportation support, and assistance with bone marrow transplants through government hospitals. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of the Government of Odisha and Vedanta Aluminium to ensure equitable, inclusive, and accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations, aligning with the vision of an anaemia-free India.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are deeply committed to the well-being of the communities around our operations.
Through this partnership, we aim to bring vital healthcare screening services to the most remote areas in these regions, while supporting the national mission to eliminate these diseases.”
Dr. Niharendra Pand, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Kalahandi, stated, “Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia remain major public health challenges, especially in rural areas.
With the support of Vedanta’s mobile health units, we are now able to reach remote villages, enabling early detection and timely medical care, which is crucial for saving lives and improving health outcomes in these regions.”
Vedanta Aluminium continues to work on transforming Odisha through various initiatives including education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture.
By working closely with local authorities and community stakeholders, the company ensures that its efforts result in real and measurable socio-economic progress.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of the country’s aluminium, i.e., 2.42 million tonnes in FY25.
It is a leader in producing value-added aluminium products used in key industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its leadership in sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India, the company is committed to promoting the use of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
