South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has taken a proactive step toward community health by deploying a fleet of AI-enabled mobile health units across its mining areas in Chhattisgarh. The initiative, rolled out in January 2026, focuses on early detection of high-burden diseases particularly tuberculosis, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes, hypertension, and anaemia that disproportionately affect populations living near coal mines and in surrounding rural communities.

Each mobile unit is a fully equipped diagnostic van featuring:

Digital X-ray systems integrated with AI algorithms for automated detection of TB, pneumonia, and lung abnormalities

Point-of-care testing devices for blood glucose, haemoglobin, lipid profile, and kidney function

Vital signs monitors with AI-driven risk scoring for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions

Telemedicine connectivity linking frontline technicians to specialists at SECL hospitals and government facilities

The AI tools analyse images and test results in real time, flagging high-risk cases for immediate clinical review and generating preliminary reports that are synced with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ecosystem via ABHA IDs. This enables seamless follow-up, e-prescriptions, and referral to empanelled hospitals without loss of patient data continuity.

The programme is part of SECL’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to health and well-being in its operational districts (Bilaspur, Korba, Raigarh, Surguja, and Surajpur). It targets over 1 lakh screenings annually, prioritising coal workers, their families, and vulnerable rural populations. Early implementation in select blocks has already shown encouraging results: higher TB case detection rates through AI-assisted chest X-ray reading, improved hypertension and diabetes awareness, and reduced diagnostic delays in remote areas.

Shri S.K. Mishra, Chairman & Managing Director of SECL, said: “Our employees and surrounding communities deserve access to modern healthcare. These AI-enabled mobile units bring early detection and specialist guidance to their doorsteps—helping prevent serious illness and reducing the burden on overburdened hospitals.”

The initiative aligns with national priorities under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), NPCDCS, and Ayushman Bharat, demonstrating how public-sector enterprises can leverage technology to support preventive health in high-risk regions. SECL plans to expand the fleet and integrate additional AI modules (e.g., for oral cancer screening and malnutrition assessment) based on pilot outcomes.