Ambuja Cement Foundation has won the CII Western Region ‘Innovation in Healthcare and Hospital Technology’ Award 2023 in the Primary Care Initiative category at a glittering ceremony filled with health professionals.

CII chose to recognise hospitals, medical institutions, NGOs and healthcare providers who are revolutionizing this sector through their innovative approach and processes. ACF was one of the 31 applicants to get recognized for its efforts on the ground and receive this award in the Primary Care Initiative. The award was organized as part of CII’s 6^th edition of Hospital Tech 2023 – International Trade Fare & Conference for the Health sector, recognizing  the contributions of those who have set benchmarks of excellence in the healthcare sector. 

The award recognised ACF’s Health program, which bridges the gap between rural communities and primary healthcare to ensure access, awareness and knowledge – promoting enhanced health seeking behavior among villagers. “Its success is largely due to the presence of our grassroots Sakhis and community health volunteers who ensure the ‘last mile reach’ and effectively deliver ACF interventions to the community.” Said ACF’s Health Manager, Vinayak Sonawane. “They have been recognized as valuable service providers in the village and their work is seen as supportive and complimentary to the National Rural Health Mission.  It is wonderful to receive this recognition which validates and recognizes the incredible work they do in rural and remote villages across 13 states," he said.

ACF’s healthcare program focuses on maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, WASH and curative health - creating some significant impacts. It has achieved a status of 99% institutional deliveries in its communities, constructed over 30,000 toilets, improving indicators in NCDs and also created tobacco free villages and schools.

In order to ensure sustainability, ACF has also recently setup community clinics, which are community owned and operated, with ACF providing support for minimal requirements. This concept has helped 13 communities receive access to medical facilities, locally with doctors available at least once a week at the clinic.

ACF’s community health program continues to expand its services - involving government related health services, fostering innovation and ensuring community involvement.