Bokaro: ESL Steel Limited, a Vedanta Group Company and leading integrated greenfield steel producer in India, has launched a Nutritional Support Kit Programme for 100 identified tuberculosis (TB) patients in the vicinity of its plant in Siyaljori, around 35 mks form the district headquarter of Bokaro, furthering benefits under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Continuing its commitment to community development, ESL Steel Limited prioritizes healthcare through its CSR initiatives. Under its flagship healthcare project, Project Aarogya, executed by Citizens Foundation, the company will provide a monthly nutritional kit worth Rs 800 per TB patient throughout their treatment period. The kit includes brown chickpea, split chickpeas, mustard oil, peanuts, and jaggery.
Dr. Shiekh Mohammed Zafarullah, District Tuberculosis Officer, Bokaro, addressed the patients, highlighting the importance of nutrition in TB treatment.
“Poverty, food insecurity, undernutrition, and overcrowding are major risk factors for tuberculosis. Undernutrition reduces immunity, affects treatment tolerance, and increases the risk of unfavorable outcomes,” he said.
In India, TB patients receive Rs 500 monthly support during treatment under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.
ESL’s additional support aims to enhance the success of these efforts.
The launch event at ESL Steel Limited’s Primary Health Centre in Dhandabar and CHC Chandankiyari included the presence of Dr. S M Zafarullah, District PPM Nitin Kumar Singh, MOIC Chandankiyari Dr. Tripti Pandey, and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Dy Head CSR, ESL Steel Limited.
The initiative aims to significantly benefit TB patients and support the goal of ending TB in the communities around ESL’s plant. “Vedanta ESL is honored to support the nation’s tuberculosis eradication program through Project Aarogya. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery and overall well-being.
This program reflects our commitment to enhancing public health and underscores our appreciation for the resilience and strength of the patients and healthcare workers,” said Ashish Ranjan, Head, CSR, ER & PR of ESL Steel Limited.
