Tensa (Odisha): Amidst Covid-19 global pandemic, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) has come forward to help the senior citizens by facilitating vaccination for them. A total of 143 elderly persons of the peripheral villages of Tensa in Sundergarh district were immunized in a special drive, organised recently at JSPL’s TRB Iron Ore Mines in association with the district administration.
The beneficiaries of Bandal, Raikela, Dengula, Tensa, Zero Point and Bahama villages belonging to above 60 years of age group were administered second dose vaccine. As a humanitarian gesture, transportation of the elderly people from their houses to the vaccination centre was also arranged.
“Since we are living in inaccessible terrains of this hilly region, it becomes extremely difficult for us to reach the distantly located vaccination centre. Also in the absence of communication facilities, transportation is a major problem for us. We are really indebted to JSPL for facilitating us with the COVID vaccine”, said Manu Oram of Bandal village.
Sexagenarian Dina Gagrai of Bahama village echoed Oram’s statement.
“JSPL has done a very appreciable humanitarian work by extending helping hand for the elderly people. In this lockdown, when people can’t think of going outside, we have been vaccinated only because of the company. We are thankful to JSPL for this noble cause”, Gagrai added.
The health officials attending the day-long drive too appreciated the enthusiasm of the locals to help accelerate immunization coverage of the tribal dominated area.
On this occasion, Business Head of TRB Iron Ore mines, Shri Pramod Kumar Patra said, “Since Community Health is our top priority, we want 100% vaccination in all our operational villages. In the coming days, will extend all support to the district administration to maximize immunization”.
JSPL has been sensitising people in tribal areas in and around its operation in Odisha, Chhattishgarh and Jharkhand about benefits of vaccination to fight COVID-19.