New Delhi, November 11, 2024: In observance of National Cancer Awareness Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium along with BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), Chhattisgarh, organized a series of awareness programs and health initiatives aimed at guiding the public around cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. The activities were centred around this year’s theme, “Jaldi Pehchaan, Bacha Sakta Hai Aapki Jaan”.

To encourage proactive health practices, Vedanta Aluminium conducted a health awareness rally and public screening camps in remote areas of Odisha, along with discounted health checkups, all in association with BMC, Chhattisgarh – one of India’s leading cancer care hospitals. In addition, expert talks were conducted to empower individuals with knowledge on lifestyle changes and risk factors associated with cancer.

In India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer, with lung and breast cancers being the most common. National Cancer Awareness Day, observed on November 7, highlights the importance of early detection, prevention, and lifestyle adjustments to help combat this growing public health issue.

In Bhawanipatna, Odisha a cancer awareness rally was organized to educate the community, drawing more than150 participants from local nursing colleges. To further support community involvement, a combined cancer and a sickle cell screening camp was held at the District Hospital, reaching out to more than 100 individuals. The event was attended by Dr. Sucheta Pani, Chief District Medical Officer; Mr. Bhawanishankar Sahu, District Program Manager of the National Health Mission; and Dr. Neelesh Jain, Senior Consultant and Head of Blood Transfusion Medicine & Immunohematology, BMC.

In Lanjigarh, Odisha, a weeklong cancer awareness campaign is being conducted across 30 villages. The campaign aims to educate communities on the early signs and symptoms of cancer, highlight common risk factors, and emphasize the importance of regular screenings. As part of this initiative, a bike rally featuring 250 participants, including employees and business partners, will cover 15 villages, adding visibility and engagement to the cause. Additionally, on November 9th, a free cancer screening camp, in collaboration with BMC, will provide mobile screening services for breast, oral, and cervical cancers, accessible to community members, business partners, and employees alike.

Supplementing these efforts, Vedanta hosted an expert discussion led by Dr. Shravan Nadkarni, Surgical Oncologist at Vedanta’s BMC, one of India’s foremost cancer hospitals. The discussion was aimed at educating all Vedanta employees on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options, offering them expert guidance on how to reduce risks and take charge of their health. Dr. Nadkarni’s insights provided valuable knowledge to help attendees make more informed decisions about their well-being.

Commenting on the significance of this day, Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we want to inspire and empower our communities to lead stronger, healthier lives. Through initiatives like these, we want to try to do away with any stigma associated with cancer, and give people access to better healthcare facilities. Not only are we targeting enhanced community awareness, but we are also fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek early detection, treatment, and care.”

Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director, BALCO Medical Centre added, “National Cancer Awareness Day is a vital reminder of the need to amplify cancer awareness and encourage proactive health choices. At BALCO Medical Centre, our mission is to inspire communities to embrace regular screenings, healthier lifestyles, and timely medical intervention to combat cancer effectively.”

Last month, Vedanta’s BMC offered free digital mammography screenings for breast cancer to women, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since its inception in 2018, Vedanta Aluminium’s state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre has established itself as a national leader in India’s oncological care landscape. BMC’s Mobile Cancer Detection Van organised health screening camps for women over the age of 45 in neighbouring villages, promoting education on self-breast examination, and the importance of routine check-ups.

Vedanta Aluminium provides a wide range of healthcare services to underserved communities in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, enhancing local healthcare infrastructure. These initiatives include:

· Mobile Health Units: These offer weekly primary care in remote areas, alongside 24/7 ambulance services.

· Vedanta Hospital, Lanjigarh: This is a 20-bed multi-specialty hospital offering free healthcare to surrounding communities.

· Nand Ghars: Modern Anganwadis focusing on women and child health, nutrition, and development.

· Vedanta Diagnostic Centres: These centres in Jharsuguda and Laikera, offer affordable radiology and pathology services.

· BALCO Hospital: A 120-bed facility with advanced medical services, serving over 1.8 lakh people annually.

· BALCO Medical Centre: A 170-bed oncology centre in Naya Raipur, providing comprehensive cancer care.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.