CHARAK (Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal) Initiative

Current Context : Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative—Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal—to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections in the Singrauli region.

• Objective:To ensure access to quality healthcare while easing the financial and emotional burden on affected families.

Features of the CHARAK Initiative:

• Target Beneficiaries:Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with an annual family income below ₹8 lakhs.
• Covered Diseases:Malignancy (cancer), tuberculosis (TB) and related complications, HIV/AIDS and related complications, organ transplants, neurological disorders, and connective tissue disorders.
• Treatment Facilities:Free treatment is provided at NCL’s dedicated hospital (Neheru Shatabdi Chikitsalaya) or at specialized empaneled hospitals across the country.

About Singrauli Coalfield:

• Location:Situated in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with a portion extending into Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
• Area:Covers approximately 2,200 square kilometers.
• Significance:Known as the energy capital of India, it houses extensive coal reserves and several thermal power plants.