Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India based in Singrauli, has launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative—“Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal.” This innovative health-focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aims to provide free treatment to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, specifically those from economically weaker sections in the Singrauli region.
Objectives of CHARAK
The primary goal of CHARAK is to offer free treatment for a range of life-threatening diseases. This initiative is designed to assist individuals from the Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts whose annual family income is below Rs. 8 Lakhs from all sources. The treatment will be provided at NCL’s dedicated hospital (NSC) or at specialized empanelled hospitals across the country.
Diseases Covered Under CHARAK
The following life-threatening diseases are covered under the CHARAK scheme:
- Malignancy (Cancer)
- Tuberculosis (TB) and related complications
- HIV and related complications
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Organ transplants
- Burns with contractures leading to permanent disability
- Liver disorders
- Sudden hearing loss
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Acute surgical emergencies
- Neurological disorders
- Neurovascular disorders
- Accidental trauma
- Serious handicap
- Multisystem disorders
- Connective tissue disorders
- Sudden vision loss
Inauguration and Vision by CMD NCL
On the occasion of the scheme’s launch, Shri B. Sairam, CMD of NCL, emphasized the objectives of the CHARAK initiative. He highlighted how the scheme would provide essential healthcare services to the economically weaker sections of the region, particularly those in peripheral areas with geographical challenges. The scheme aims to ease the financial and emotional burden on families affected by serious health conditions.
NCL’s Commitment to Social Welfare
As a responsible corporate entity, NCL is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of the Singrauli region through various CSR initiatives. Over the past decade, NCL has impacted the lives of approximately 10 lakh people and spent over 1,000 crores on diverse CSR activities.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main objective of the CHARAK initiative launched by NCL?
a) To provide free education to children in Singrauli
b) To offer free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections
c) To provide employment opportunities in the healthcare sector
d) To build hospitals in remote areas
Answer: b) To offer free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections - Which districts are eligible for the CHARAK scheme?
a) Singrauli and Sonbhadra
b) Singrauli and Rewa
c) Sonbhadra and Mirzapur
d) Singrauli and Varanasi
Answer: a) Singrauli and Sonbhadra - What is the income threshold for families to be eligible for the CHARAK scheme?
a) Rs. 5 Lakhs
b) Rs. 8 Lakhs
c) Rs. 10 Lakhs
d) Rs. 12 Lakhs
Answer: b) Rs. 8 Lakhs - Which of the following diseases is covered under the CHARAK scheme?
a) Diabetes
b) Malignancy (Cancer)
c) Asthma
d) Hypertension
Answer: b) Malignancy (Cancer) - How much has NCL spent on various CSR initiatives in the past 10 years?
a) 500 Crores
b) 750 Crores
c) 1,000 Crores
d) 1,500 Crores
Answer: c) 1,000 Crores