In a landmark step toward empowering women in the coal industry, the Vasant Vihar Dispensary at the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Headquarters in Bilaspur was officially inaugurated today as Coal India’s first dispensary to be operated entirely by women.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), SECL, along with Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director Technical (Operations & Project/Planning), Shri Biranchi Das, Director (HR), Shri D. Sunil Kumar, Director (Finance), Shri Himanshu Jain, Chief Vigilance Officer, and other senior officials of SECL.
The dispensary is now staffed and run entirely by a 14-member team of women, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support personnel. This initiative marks a milestone not only in the realm of gender equality within the coal sector but also reflects a broader commitment to fostering women’s leadership and participation in operational roles.
Speaking at the occasion, CMD Shri Harish Duhan expressed pride in the launch of the first fully women-managed dispensary under Coal India. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the vision of the Hon’ble Minister of Coal, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, who has strongly advocated for greater inclusion of women in the coal industry and the creation of more leadership opportunities for them. Shri Duhan affirmed SECL’s commitment to continuing such progressive steps in the future.
The Vasant Vihar Dispensary will provide a range of quality medical services, including:
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Outpatient Department (OPD) services
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Casualty and Emergency care
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Dressing and Injection Room
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Electrocardiogram (ECG) facility
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Blood Collection Centre for pathology tests
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In-house OPD pharmacy
The establishment of this all-women team is expected not only to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of healthcare services but also to set a precedent in the coal sector by placing women in the forefront of medical and administrative operations.
This pioneering initiative stands as a testament to Coal India’s evolving approach toward inclusive growth, and the belief that empowered women can lead with both strength and sensitivity. As the coal sector continues to modernize and diversify, such projects highlight the critical role of women in shaping a more equitable and forward-looking industry.
