Coal India’s first all-women operated dispensary was inaugurated today at the SECL Headquarters in Bilaspur, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts towards women empowerment. The newly launched Vasant Vihar Dispensary is a pioneering step that reflects Coal India’s commitment to creating inclusive workspaces and leadership opportunities for women in the coal sector.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), in the presence of several top officials. Among those present were 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 SECL officers.
The dispensary will be fully operated by a dedicated team of 14 women professionals, which includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff. This unique initiative aims not only to provide quality healthcare services but also to highlight the capabilities and leadership of women within a traditionally male-dominated sector. It stands as a symbol of progress and an example for other public sector undertakings to follow.
Coal India Inaugurates First All-Women Dispensary At SECL HQ https://t.co/Wm6GMYNjqk @secl_cil @CoalIndiaHQ @ranjan804 @PMPrasad8 @RupPannuBrar @CoalMinistry @KishanReddyOfc @kishanreddybjp
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Speaking on the occasion, CMD Shri Harish Duhan said, “It is a matter of great pride that Coal India’s first fully women-operated dispensary has been launched at SECL. This initiative aligns with the vision of Union Coal Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy, who advocates for greater participation of women in the coal sector and the creation of leadership opportunities for them. We are committed to taking many more such steps in the future.”
The dispensary is equipped with a range of essential medical services, including Outpatient Department (OPD) services, casualty and emergency care, a dressing and injection room, ECG facilities, a blood collection centre for pathology tests, and an OPD pharmacy. With its team of skilled women professionals, the dispensary is expected to offer not only effective treatment but also a more empathetic and inclusive approach to healthcare delivery.
This initiative is expected to set a benchmark for gender-inclusive healthcare facilities in India’s public sector enterprises. It sends a strong message about the changing landscape of leadership and service delivery in the coal industry, where women are now taking charge, contributing equally, and making a visible impact.
