BSP’s ‘Mission Lakshmi’ Promotes Women’s Health Awareness at Nandini Mines

 Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, organised a one-day health and awareness camp under ‘Mission Lakshmi’ at Nandini Mines Hospital in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Centre (JLNHRС), Sector-9. The camp brought together girl students, women contractual employees, teachers and local women to promote awareness of health, nutrition, cancer prevention, personal hygiene and women’s safety, while facilitating access to essential healthcare services.

Under ‘Mission Lakshmi’, the medical team of JLNHRС, in association with the CSR Department of BSP, regularly conducts health and awareness camps to promote the health and well-being of women and girls. The programme at Nandini Mines was part of this continuing initiative.

The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Uday Kumar, Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Specialists and officials from Sector-9 Hospital delivered sessions on various aspects of health and well-being. Dr. Ruchika Tamrakar, Paediatrician, highlighted the importance of child health, nutrition and routine immunisation. Dr. Neena Guha, Head of the Department of Gynaecology, spoke about cancer awareness, reproductive health, breastfeeding and menstrual hygiene. Assistant Managers Lata Mishra and Shashi Singh highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition and women’s empowerment, respectively. Dr. Pooja Sharma, Medical Officer-in-Charge at Nandini Mines, sensitised participants to women’s safety and health precautions at the workplace. Dr. Sadhvi, holding a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualification, also contributed to the medical consultation session.

A total of 65 participants, including girl students and teachers from DAV and CPS schools, women contractual employees and local women, attended the camp. During the programme, 65 blood samples were collected for tests covering haemoglobin levels, blood glucose, sickling and blood groups. Pap smear testing was also made available to support the early detection of cervical cancer. Free medicines were distributed to participants requiring them. The camp emphasised the importance of timely medical examinations, early identification of health concerns and regular healthcare.

As part of efforts to strengthen medical facilities and improve patient care, a cardiac monitor was provided to Nandini Mines Hospital. The equipment is expected to support patient monitoring and enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide essential healthcare services.

A health-themed quiz competition was organised under the coordination of Lata Mishra. Girl students participated enthusiastically, answering questions on health, nutrition and hygiene. Twenty prizes were awarded to encourage students who answered correctly. Refreshments were also arranged for the guests and participants.

At the conclusion of the programme, officials, guests and students released colourful balloons to spread the message of women’s health awareness. A plantation drive was also conducted on the hospital premises to promote environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of a clean and green environment alongside community health.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Uday Kumar, Chief Medical Officer-in-Charge; Dr. Sambita Panda, Additional Chief Medical Officer; and Sanjay Kumar, General Manager (Medical Services). Chintala Srikant, Chief General Manager (Flux); Sudhakar Jamulkar, General Manager (Township/Nandini Mines); Omen Tete, Deputy General Manager, Nandini; Sanjay Sharma, General Manager, Sector-9; Santosh Khande, Mines Manager; and Dr. Pooja Sharma were present and contributed to the programme.

The successful organisation of the camp was supported by JLNHRС technologists Manish and Sunil, Sarika, Assistant Sarita, and the nursing and paramedical staff of Nandini Hospital.

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RDJ/BKT