ESL Steel Limited, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative Project AAROGYA, has launched a Nutritional Support Kit Programme for 100 identified Tuberculosis (TB) patients living near its plant in Siyaljori. This initiative is part of the broader Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and aims to provide each patient with a monthly nutritional kit worth Rs 800 during their treatment period.

"Poverty, food insecurity, and undernutrition are significant risk factors for tuberculosis. Undernutrition, in particular, reduces immunity, affecting treatment tolerance and increasing the risk of unfavorable outcomes. Thus, addressing the nutritional needs of TB patients is crucial," stated Dr. Shiekh Mohammed Zafarullah, District Tuberculosis Officer, Bokaro, during an event held at ESL Steel Limited’s Primary Health Centre in Dhandabar.

Dr. Zafarullah explained that the government supports TB patients with Rs 500 monthly through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). He praised ESL Steel Limited's additional support, noting that it complements government efforts by providing essential nutritional items.

ESL Steel Limited’s nutritional kit includes 1.5 kg of brown chickpeas, 3 kg of split chickpeas, 1 liter of mustard oil, 1 kg of peanuts, and 1 kg of jaggery. The first phase of the six-month program has already distributed two months’ worth of kits to the patients, with the remaining four months' kits to be distributed soon.

"Vedanta ESL is honored to support the nation's tuberculosis eradication efforts through Project AAROGYA. Proper nutrition is vital for recovery and overall well-being. This program reflects our commitment to public health and acknowledges the resilience of patients and healthcare workers," said Shri Ashish Ranjan, Head of CSR, ER & PR, ESL Steel Limited.

Launched in 2020, Project AAROGYA operates a Primary Healthcare Centre in Dhandabar village and a Mobile Health Unit that serves 27 villages, providing free medication, treatment, and awareness camps. The project, in collaboration with Citizens Foundation and the District Health Department, has benefited over 350,000 villagers and around 500 pre-pregnant, pregnant, or lactating mothers in the past three years. The initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes in the community.