Essar Foundation and the Vizag operations of Essar Steel India Limited (EStIL) organized health camps in Malkangiri, Odisha and Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. The camps were organized as part of Essar’s commitment to providing continuous healthcare services in remote locations adjoining EStIL’s facilities. In Odisha, the camps were organized at Palankarai, Badpadar and RSC-11 villages in Chitrakonda block in Malkangiri district. The camps were held between August 25 and August 27, 2014. 341 villagers were treated for waterborne diseases, malaria, tuberculosis, malnutrition, gynecological problems and other general health issues. The camps in Chitrakonda were crucial as the region does not have good healthcare services. The nearest healthcare facilities are located at a distance which means the locals, mainly from tribal communities, have to spend time and money to commute.
Another health camp was organized in Benpal village in Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh on August 29, 2014. During the monsoons, people in Dantewada suffer from waterborne diseases, malaria, skin problems and malnutrition. The health camp was held at the primary school in Benpal village. 117 villagers from five villages — Patelpara, Gyatapara, Tekapara, Kachhipara and Budupara—received treatment and medicines. Some patients had to be hospitalized and referred to the nearby hospital for special care and treatment. Essar plans to organize such camps in the future to ensure availability of healthcare services for the local communities.
