New Delhi: State-run Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bolangir district administration to improve maternal and child healthcare services in Titlagarh, Odisha, through the deployment of battery-operated patient transport vehicles.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing last-mile healthcare connectivity for patients, especially pregnant women, newborns, and economically weaker sections.
₹17 Lakh CSR Support for Battery-Operated Patient Transport Vehicles
Under the agreement, MCL will provide financial assistance of ₹17 lakh through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The funds will be used to deploy three battery-operated vehicles that will help transport patients and attendants between Titlagarh town and the Mother & Child Hospital (MCH), Titlagarh.
The MoU was signed by officials Jyotirmay Sinha and G. S. Isalwar.
Key Healthcare Facility for Tribal and Rural Population
The Mother & Child Hospital (MCH), Titlagarh, is the only dedicated referral hospital for maternal and child healthcare in the region.
It caters to a large rural and tribal population across Titlagarh and surrounding blocks, including:
- Muribahal
- Belpara
- Patnagarh
- Saintala
- Bongomunda
- Deogaon
The hospital plays a critical role in providing essential maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the region.
Eco-Friendly Transport to Improve Patient Access
According to MCL, the deployment of battery-operated vehicles will provide a safe, affordable, and environment-friendly transport option for patients.
The service is expected to particularly benefit:
- Pregnant women
- Newborn children
- Elderly patients
- Economically weaker families
The initiative aims to reduce delays in accessing medical care and ensure timely treatment.
Expected Benefit to Over 1.7 Lakh People
The project is expected to benefit approximately 1.73 lakh residents of Titlagarh and nearby areas by improving access to healthcare facilities.
Officials said the initiative will contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes and strengthen public health delivery in underserved regions.
MCL’s Focus on Healthcare and CSR Development
MCL stated that the project aligns with its broader commitment to improving healthcare accessibility through impactful CSR initiatives.
The company has earlier implemented a similar patient transportation service at SVPPGIP in Cuttack, which has helped improve access to neonatal healthcare services.
This latest initiative further reinforces MCL’s focus on sustainable community development and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Odisha.
About Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is a leading public sector coal mining company operating under Coal India Limited. It plays a major role in coal production in Odisha and contributes significantly to India’s energy sector while also undertaking various CSR initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and community development.
