Utkal Alumina’s Project URMI: Pioneering Health & Empowerment For Adolescents, Mothers & Children In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL), an Aditya Birla Group company recently launched Project URMI, which aims at providing better healthcare in the Kashipur Block of Rayagada and Thuamul Rampur Block in Kalahandi.

It aims to change the lives of over 5,000 villagers across 40 villages in a span of three years. The approach includes baseline, midline, and end-line studies to evaluate the current health status of its target groups.  The project includes forming adolescent groups and implementing customised health, hygiene, and life skills awareness.  It especially impacts adolescent girls, mothers, and pregnant women.

In six months, 40 Adolescent Clubs, fostering community engagement and support have been established under the project. Besides, health registrations for 375 Antenatal Care (ANC) and 526 Postnatal Care (PNC), providing vital health services to mothers have been ensured. So far, 902 adolescent girls and 582 infants have been brought under its fold.

A notable achievement of Project URMI is its focus on menstrual hygiene, distributing over 100 sanitary napkins to promote healthy practices among adolescents. Additionally, the project has facilitated 247 institutional deliveries.

Project URMI targets achieving 100 per cent institutional deliveries, complete immunisation coverage, and universal menstrual hygiene practices.

Highlighting the project’s profound impact, Rabi Mishra, Unit Head of Utkal Alumina, said, “Project URMI is a beacon of hope and progress for our communities. Our dedicated efforts to improve health standards are not just about numbers but about transforming lives. We are committed to creating a healthier and more empowered future for adolescents, mothers, and children, believing that together, we can build a foundation of empowerment and well-being for generations to come. Through capacity-building initiatives, training of trainers, and orientation programs for ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and health staff, Project URMI is strengthening the support system at the grassroots level. The project also aims to ensure 100 per cent access to benefits under the Janani Surakshya Yojana and achieve zero infant and maternal mortality in its targeted villages.”