Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: In a strategic step towards strengthening grassroots healthcare, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HLL Lifecare Limited, a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
This collaboration will lead to the establishment of AMRIT Pharmacies across MCL’s operational areas, ensuring access to affordable, life-saving medicines for its employees and surrounding communities.
What is the AMRIT Initiative?
The AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian government designed to provide essential medicines and surgical consumables at deeply discounted prices—often up to 50% off MRP—especially targeting economically weaker sections.
Through this MoU, HLL Lifecare will operate and manage the AMRIT Pharmacies, offering:
- Generic and branded medicines
- Surgical consumables
- Implants for critical illnesses
- Targeting Healthcare Gaps in Mining Regions
MCL’s command area covers several districts in Odisha that have long faced limited access to affordable healthcare. The partnership is part of MCL’s reinforced CSR strategy, aimed at translating corporate profits into tangible social benefits.
“The collaborative effort with HLL Lifecare is a testament to our commitment to the wellbeing of our workforce and neighbours,” an MCL spokesperson told The Times of India.
“By making quality medicines affordable, we are directly contributing to the nation’s goal of accessible and reliable healthcare for everyone.”
Read also: MCL Resolves 10-Year Land Dispute in Talcher, Clears Way for Bhubaneswari Coal Mine Expansion
How This Helps the Community
The rollout of AMRIT pharmacies is expected to:
- Reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for families
- Provide easier access to medicines for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
- Improve health outcomes for rural and mining-affected populations
- Encourage preventive healthcare by making medicines accessible
CSR Meets Healthcare: A Sustainable Partnership
This MoU represents more than just a business decision—it’s a shift towards inclusive growth, with MCL stepping up as a socially responsible PSU. Officials confirmed that the AMRIT outlets will also serve as information hubs, promoting awareness on:
- Rational drug use
- Preventive healthcare
- Government health schemes
The initiative ties into the larger National Health Mission and supports India’s aim to move toward universal health coverage (UHC).
Rollout Timeline
The first set of AMRIT pharmacies are expected to become operational within the next few months at major MCL establishments and hospitals. Additional locations will be identified based on community healthcare needs and footfall.
About MCL
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is one of the eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL), a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Coal. Headquartered in Sambalpur, Odisha, MCL operates some of the largest coal mines in India, particularly in the Talcher and Ib Valley coalfields. Established in 1992, MCL plays a critical role in meeting the country’s thermal coal demand, especially for power generation. It is known for its high production volumes, mechanized open-cast mining operations, and contributions to regional development and employment in Odisha.
