HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Aug 28: NTPC Bongaigaon Salakati, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) to launch a comprehensive cancer care project in Kokrajhar district. This initiative, valued at Rs 32.7 lakhs, is designed to address the growing cancer burden in Assam by providing last-mile outreach of preventive and diagnostic care to approximately 42,000 people across various villages.
The MoA signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, was led by Akhilesh Singh, head of project, NTPC Bongaigaon Salakati. The MoA was signed by Onkar Nath, AGM (HR), NTPC Bongaigaon, on behalf of NTPC Bongaigaon, and Dr Major General JP Prasad, CEO, Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), on behalf of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation.
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The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Subrata Chanda, head of Cancer Care and Research, Assam Cancer Care Foundation, Dr Nirmal Singha, medical superintendent, Assam Cancer Care Foundation, Asutosh Biswas, GM (Operation), Deepayan Paul, CMO, NTPC Bongaigaon, Roshan Dungdung, DGM (HR), Madhurjya Singha Lahkar, senior manager (HR-Corporate Communication), Aduity Thakuri, Executive (CSR), along with officials from the NTPC team.
The cancer care project, spearheaded by NTPC Bongaigaon and ACCF, will, for the first time, encompass four Block Primary Health Centers (BPHCs) and approximately 80 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) in Kokrajhar district. The project will focus on several key areas, including the early detection of cancer, particularly oral, breast, and cervical cancers, through door-to-door preliminary screenings conducted by ASHAs. The initiative also includes awareness and sensitisation sessions aimed at healthcare workers and the general public to educate them about cancer, its risk factors, and the availability of government schemes. Additionally, home-based palliative care will be provided to cancer patients, ensuring they receive the necessary support within the comfort of their homes.
A vital aspect of the project is ensuring that confirmed cancer patients are linked to existing government schemes, providing them with access to cashless treatment and reimbursement facilities. This approach is designed to significantly reduce the financial burden on patients and their families, easing the strain of out-of-pocket expenses. Moreover, the project will strengthen the public healthcare system by extending the reach of government healthcare schemes to the most remote areas, ensuring that all patients receive the care they need.
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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
