In a major step towards women empowerment, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has inaugurated Coal India’s first-ever dispensary to be operated entirely by women. The Vasant Vihar Dispensary at SECL Headquarters in Bilaspur will now be staffed by an all-women team of 14 professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support personnel.

The facility was formally inaugurated by SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri Harish Duhan in the presence of Director (Technical) Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director (HR) Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Finance) Shri D. Sunil Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Himanshu Jain, and other senior officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, CMD Shri Harish Duhan expressed pride in SECL hosting Coal India’s first women-run dispensary, aligning with Coal Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy’s vision of promoting greater female participation and leadership in the coal sector. He reaffirmed SECL’s commitment to furthering such inclusive initiatives.

The dispensary offers a range of medical services including OPD consultations, casualty and emergency services, a dressing and injection room, ECG facilities, a blood collection centre for pathology tests, and an OPD pharmacy.

This pioneering initiative not only enhances the quality and sensitivity of healthcare services but also serves as a model for showcasing women's leadership and operational excellence within India's coal industry.