Bilaspur, July 14, 2025: In a landmark step towards advancing women empowerment in the coal sector, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has inaugurated the company’s first fully women-run dispensary at its Vasant Vihar headquarters in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
The initiative was formally launched by SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri Harish Duhan. Present at the ceremony were Director (Technical – Operations & Planning) Shri N. Franklin Jaikumar, Director (Human Resources) Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Finance) Shri D. Sunil Kumar, and Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Himanshu Jain.
A 14-Member All-Women Team Takes Charge
The dispensary will now be entirely managed by women personnel—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff. A 14-member team, comprising five doctors, a matron, staff nurses, and pharmacists, will be responsible for delivering medical care and related services at the facility.
CMD Shri Harish Duhan said, “It is a matter of great pride for us that Coal India’s first fully women-run dispensary has been started in SECL. The vision of Hon’ble Coal Minister is to increase the participation of women in the coal sector and provide them leadership opportunities. This initiative is our meaningful effort in that direction, and we will continue such efforts in the future as well.”
Echoing this sentiment, Director (HR) Shri Biranchi Das stated, “We are fully committed to providing equal opportunities to women. This initiative of Vasant Vihar dispensary is a concrete step towards women empowerment.”
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Full Range of Medical Services Now Operational
The dispensary is equipped to provide the following medical services:
- OPD (Outpatient Department) Services
- Casualty Services
- Dressing and Injection Room
- ECG Facility
- Blood Collection Centre for Pathology Testing
- OPD Pharmacy
- Emergency and Referral Services
This women-led medical facility is expected to enhance the overall quality and responsiveness of healthcare within SECL. More importantly, it marks a significant shift in promoting female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated sector, offering a new platform for women professionals to lead, serve, and inspire.
About SECL
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, SECL is one of India’s largest coal-producing companies, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy needs. The company is also known for its inclusive policies and strong push towards innovation and sustainable development.
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