Charak

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal, has launched ‘CHARAK’—a healthcare-focused CSR initiative aimed at providing free

treatment for life-threatening diseases to the economically weaker sections in the Singrauli region.

GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)

CHARAK stands for “Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal.”.
It is an innovative health-centric CSR project by Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) that targets residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts whose annual family income is below ₹8 lakhs.
It provides them with free treatment for severe medical conditions.
It is part of NCL’s broader commitment to socio-economic upliftment through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Free Treatment for Life-Threatening Diseases
- Treatments are provided at NCL’s dedicated hospital (NSC) or at specialised empaneled hospitals across India.
- Covered ailments include:
  - Malignancy (cancer), tuberculosis, HIV-related complications.
  - Cardiovascular issues, organ transplants, burns leading to disability.
  - Liver disorders, sudden hearing/vision loss, neurological and neurovascular disorders.
  - Accidental trauma, ARDS, serious handicaps, connective tissue disorders, and acute surgical emergencies.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts.
- Applicable for families with a total annual income below ₹8 lakhs from all sources.
Objectives and Impact
- CMD NCL, Shri B. Sairam, emphasised the scheme’s role in bridging healthcare gaps in geographically challenged areas.
- It aims to ease financial and emotional burdens on economically weaker families by ensuring quality healthcare access.
NCL’s Commitment to CSR
- NCL has spent over ₹1,000 crores on CSR activities in the past decade, impacting around 10 lakh lives.
- The CHARAK initiative continues this legacy by focusing on critical healthcare needs, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

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