Centre Approves CGHS Wellness Center in Sambalpur, Boosting Healthcare Access for Central Employees
Sambalpur is set to receive its first Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Wellness Centre, following approval from the Union Health and Finance Ministries.
The move comes after Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan’s request to ease healthcare access for central government employees and pensioners in western Odisha.
Currently, beneficiaries travel over 300 km to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Berhampur for CGHS services.
The new centre will serve employees and retirees from BSNL, Postal Department, Income Tax, East Coast Railway, CRPF, IIM Sambalpur, and Kendriya Vidyalayas, among others.
Sanctioned posts include Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Pharmacists, and Junior Health Administrative Assistants, ensuring a fully staffed facility.
Pensioners will continue using nearby CGHS cities until the Sambalpur centre becomes operational, while serving employees remain covered under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules.
Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister JP Nadda, calling the initiative a step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions.
The centre is expected to significantly reduce travel burdens and improve timely medical care for thousands of beneficiaries.
