Vedanta’s COVID-19 preparedness efforts benefit over 7 lakh people

Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Ltd’s Odisha operations, which include the world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh and India’s largest aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda, have joined forces with the state in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, thus reaching 7 lakh people in the process.

As critical industries, Vedanta’s two plants in Odisha are operational adhering to all COVID-19 protocols laid down by the state and central governments, operating with minimum manpower and resources, said a statement on Wednesday.

At the same time, both units have marshalled resources to undertake preventive measures for their employees, business associates as well as their communities at large in, around and far beyond their plant areas.

Referring to the initiatives undertaken by the company, Rahul Sharma, CEO – Alumina Business said, “At Vedanta, our efforts are aligned to the singular vision of making our communities, the state and nation self-reliant and self-sufficient. We are committed to extending all help possible to help alleviate the angst the pandemic has caused. We are closely working with the government alongside our people and partners to emerge from these trying times stronger and better together.”

Vedanta has rolled out a slew of initiatives for the state of Odisha and particularly for communities around its areas of operations in Kalahandi, Jharsuguda, and adjoining areas, towards ensuring grassroots preparedness as a critical first step towards combating COVID-19:

34,000 numbers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been provided to the Government of Odisha, the statement said.

Vedanta has lent critical support to the district administration’s COVID hospitals in Jharsuguda and Bhawanipatna.

The company has supported the 110-bedded COVID hospital in Jharsuguda with medical equipment such as ventilators, corona kits, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, specialized medical gear and other critical infrastructure. Likewise, the COVID hospital in Bhawanipatna has been given PPE and other essential supplies. Both hospitals together cater to roughly 6 lakh people.

Vedanta’s own hospital in Lanjigarh is also in a state of preparedness to support the district administration, and now offers telemedicine facility alongside a 24X7 helpline to address concerns. The hospital continues to serve about 7,000 patients per month from the community.

Vedanta has made available up to a month’s supply of rations to nearly 5,000 daily wage earners, slum dwellers, needy families, and marginal households across both districts.