HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Sept 8: NTPC Bongaigaon Salakati, in collaboration with the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), has officially launched a comprehensive cancer care program in Kokrajhar district as part of its CSR initiative, aimed at providing essential healthcare services to communities across the region. The program was inaugurated recently by Kabita Deka, additional district commissioner of Kokrajhar, in the presence of several dignitaries, including Akhilesh Singh, head of project, NTPC Bongaigaon; Dr NK Singha, medical superintendent of Assam Cancer Care Foundation; Haragobinda Boro from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC); and Sangeeta Singh, president of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club.
During the event, Dr NK Singha guided Kabita Deka, Akhilesh Singh, and Sangeeta Singh on a tour of the cancer care facility, showcasing its potential to serve the local community’s healthcare needs. Speaking on the occasion, Akhilesh Singh emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating that it marked a critical milestone in NTPC Bongaigaon’s commitment to community welfare. He expressed confidence that the program, which aims to reach over 42,000 people across various villages, would significantly contribute to the early detection and treatment of cancer, ultimately creating a healthier future for all.
Kabita Deka, additional district commissioner, commended the collaboration between NTPC Bongaigaon and the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, noting that it addressed a pressing healthcare challenge in the region. She highlighted the initiative’s potential to bring much-needed services to remote areas and assured the district administration’s full support in making the program a success.
Dr NK Singha, medical superintendent of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to fighting cancer through early detection, awareness, and timely intervention. He explained that the program would focus on door-to-door screenings, awareness sessions, and home-based palliative care to create a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem for the people of Kokrajhar.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, led by its president, Sangeeta Singh. The club has been a strong advocate for community health and welfare initiatives in Kokrajhar, and its members pledged their support in raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection to ensure the program’s success.
Key officials from NTPC Bongaigaon, including Dr Deepayan Paul, chief medical officer; Paresh Mathur, AGM (Technical Services); Madhurjya Singha Lahkar, senior manager (HR-Corporate Communication); Pranami Handique, senior manager (HR); and Aduity Thakuri, CSR executive, were present on the occasion and spoke about the advantages of the program.
The launch of this program follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between NTPC Bongaigaon and ACCF on August 27, 2024, marking a significant step toward enhancing healthcare in Kokrajhar. With a project value of Rs 32.7 lakhs, the initiative aims to address the growing cancer burden by delivering preventive and diagnostic care services to a vast population across the district.
Covering four Block Primary Health Centers (BPHCs) and approximately 80 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) in Kokrajhar, the cancer care initiative focuses on the early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers through screenings by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), public awareness sessions, and home-based palliative care for cancer patients.
This collaboration demonstrates NTPC Bongaigaon’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The project aligns with Schedule VII, Sub-section (i) of the Companies Act 2013, and the CPSE common theme for 2024-25, ‘Health & Nutrition’, as prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
