Bilaspur — In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting gender inclusivity and women empowerment, Coal India Limited (CIL) today inaugurated its first fully women-operated dispensary at the Vasant Vihar facility of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The dispensary will be managed by a 14-member all-women medical team, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff, marking a transformative step in the traditionally male-dominated coal sector.
A Milestone in Women’s Leadership
The inaugural ceremony was led by Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, SECL, in the presence of senior officials including:
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Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director Technical (Operations & Project/Planning)
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Shri Biranchi Das, Director (HR)
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Shri D. Sunil Kumar, Director (Finance)
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Shri Himanshu Jain, Chief Vigilance Officer, SECL
Speaking at the event, CMD Shri Harish Duhan called it a “matter of great pride” for SECL and Coal India. “This initiative reflects our commitment to the vision of Hon’ble Coal Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, who strongly advocates for greater women’s participation and leadership in the coal sector,” he said.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services, Delivered by Women
The Vasant Vihar Dispensary offers a full spectrum of outpatient medical services, including:
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OPD services
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Casualty & Emergency Care
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Injection & Dressing Room
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ECG Facilities
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Blood Collection Centre for pathology tests
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OPD Pharmacy
The presence of an all-women team is expected to enhance the quality, empathy, and responsiveness of care, particularly for female beneficiaries and staff.
Empowering Women in a Core Industry
The initiative sets a pioneering example in the coal and mining sector, where women have historically been underrepresented in frontline roles. By enabling women to lead and operate an entire healthcare facility, SECL and Coal India are signaling a shift toward a more inclusive and progressive work environment.
This model is also seen as a platform for capacity building, professional recognition, and career advancement for women in medical and paramedical services.
A Model for Replication Across the Coal Sector
With this milestone, SECL aims to inspire other subsidiaries of Coal India Limited and public sector undertakings (PSUs) to implement similar initiatives that recognize and amplify women’s leadership potential.
As the coal sector continues its transformation in the direction of sustainability, safety, and social responsibility, gender inclusion stands out as a key pillar of institutional progress.
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first fully women-operated dispensary by SECL underlines a bold step towards gender parity and empowerment in public sector industries. More than a healthcare facility, the Vasant Vihar Dispensary stands as a beacon of opportunity and change, exemplifying the evolving role of women in shaping the future of India’s industrial and social landscape.
Source: PIB
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