SUSHRUTA

SUSHRUTA – Survey, Understand & Solve Healthcare Issues in Rural, Underprivileged, and Tribal Areas SUSHRUTA is a flagship CSR initiative of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), launched in FY 2023-24 with the core objective of addressing critical healthcare challenges in rural, underprivileged, and tribal communities. The program primarily focuses on the early detection and prevention of genetic blood disorders—especially Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia, which are highly prevalent in these populations. Implemented in collaboration with Lok Kalyan Diagnostics, Nagpur, SUSHRUTA has successfully screened over 60,000 individuals across the Vidarbha region to date, making significant strides in improving health awareness, diagnosis, and access to care in underserved areas. Key Objectives 1. Screening & Identification o Screen individuals aged 15–35 years in targeted communities for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia. o Identify carriers and affected individuals at an early stage to enable timely medical intervention. 2. Awareness & Education o Educate communities on the genetic nature, transmission patterns, and preventive strategies of these disorders. o Combat social stigma and dispel myths associated with genetic conditions. 3. Prevention & Counseling o Provide genetic counseling to identified carriers and affected individuals, enabling informed reproductive decisions. o Promote long-term strategies to reduce the incidence of these disorders in future generations. Progress So Far • Individuals Screened: Over 60,000 • Health Camps Organized: 500 • Positive Cases Identified: Approximately 2,500 Expected Outcomes 1. Early Detection & Intervention o Enables timely treatment and management, improving the quality of life for affected individuals. 2. Heightened Awareness o Fosters informed communities that are proactive in adopting preventive health behaviors. 3. Reduction in New Cases o Through education and counseling, the project aims to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to future generations. 4. Community Empowerment o Equips local populations with the knowledge and tools needed to address hereditary health issues independently. 5. Scalable & Replicable Model o Establishes a blueprint for similar large-scale health interventions in other underserved regions.