Bhubaneswar, 08 March (H.S.): The Central Government has granted all necessary approvals for the establishment of a new Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Health Wellness Centre in Sambalpur. The centre is expected to be set up soon. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda informed Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan about the development through a letter, following the latter’s request.

Mr. Pradhan had written to the Union Health Minister on September 8, 2025, highlighting the need for a CGHS Health Centre in Sambalpur. In his letter, he pointed out that the city hosts several important central institutions such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the Department of Posts, the Income Tax Department, East Coast Railway, the Central Excise Department, the Group Centre of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur, and institutions under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. A large number of serving employees as well as retired pensioners reside in the region.

He also mentioned that due to the absence of a CGHS facility in Sambalpur, employees and pensioners currently have to travel nearly 300 kilometres to cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack or Brahmapur for medical treatment, causing considerable hardship, especially for elderly pensioners.

In his response, Mr. Nadda informed that all necessary approvals for establishing the CGHS centre in Sambalpur have been granted. The proposal from the Ministry of Health for the required posts and related administrative arrangements has also received approval from the Ministry of Finance.

The sanctioned positions include Medical Officer, Nursing Officer, Pharmacist and Junior Health Administrative Assistant. Until the centre becomes fully operational, pensioners will be able to avail medical services from the nearest CGHS cities, while serving employees will continue to receive medical benefits under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules.

Mr. Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Mr. Nadda for this initiative. He said the move would significantly improve access to healthcare for central government employees and pensioners and strengthen healthcare services in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda