Recently, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has made strides in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, particularly through the “SECL Ki Dhadkan” initiative. This programme aims to provide essential cardiac care to children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD) in economically disadvantaged regions of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. By successfully facilitating heart surgeries for 20 children, SECL has showcased its commitment to improving healthcare access in its operational areas.
About Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease refers to a range of heart defects present at birth, affecting normal blood flow through the heart. It is one of the most common birth defects, impacting approximately 1 in 100 live births. Many families, especially in rural and tribal areas, struggle to afford the necessary treatments, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. SECL’s initiative directly addresses this critical healthcare gap.
The SECL Ki Dhadkan Initiative
Launched as part of SECL’s broader CSR programme ‘Nanha Sa Dil’, “SECL Ki Dhadkan” focuses on early diagnosis, screening, and treatment of CHD. The initiative collaborates with the Shri Satya Sai Health & Education Trust in Raipur, ensuring that surgeries are performed at the state-of-the-art Shri Satya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital. This partnership enables access to advanced medical care that would otherwise be unavailable to the target communities.
Impact on Local Communities
The programme primarily benefits children from SECL’s operational districts, including Raigarh, Korba, Bilaspur, and several others in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. These regions often suffer from inadequate healthcare infrastructure. By removing financial barriers, SECL is empowering families to seek life-saving treatments, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community.
Celebrating Success – Gift of Life Event
On October 25, 2024, SECL celebrated the successful discharge of the young patients through a special event called ‘Gift of Life’. This occasion not only marked the end of a critical treatment journey for these children but also served as a platform for community engagement and awareness about CHD. The event included tokens of encouragement for the children, reinforcing SECL’s dedication to encouraging a supportive environment for health and recovery.
Long-term Commitment to Healthcare Equity
“SECL Ki Dhadkan” exemplifies SECL’s mission to promote sustainable development and tackle healthcare inequities in its operational regions. By focusing on vulnerable populations, the initiative puts stress on the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing public health challenges. Such efforts are crucial in creating a more equitable healthcare landscape, ensuring that even the most marginalised communities receive necessary medical interventions.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of corporate social responsibility in enhancing healthcare access in rural India.
- What are the implications of congenital heart disease on child health in India?
- Analyse the role of public-private partnerships in improving healthcare services in underserved areas.
- Evaluate the impact of initiatives like ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan’ on community health outcomes.
- How does the socio-economic status of families influence access to healthcare services in India?
