Sambalpur, Mar 8: Sambalpur is set to get its first Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Wellness Centre, with the Union Government granting full approval for its establishment.

The announcement follows a request made by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who had highlighted the urgent need for such a facility in western Odisha.

On September 8, Pradhan wrote to the Health Minister highlighting the need for a CGHS Centre in Sambalpur, citing the presence of several central institutions such as BSNL, Postal Department, Income Tax Department, East Coast Railway, Central Excise, CRPF Group Center, IIM, and Kendriya Vidyalaya. He noted that many employees and pensioners reside in the region but are forced to travel nearly 300 km to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Berhampur for medical services, causing hardship especially to elderly pensioners.

In response, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda confirmed that all necessary approvals have been granted.

The Finance Ministry has sanctioned posts including Medical Officer, Nursing Officer, Pharmacist, and Junior Health Administrative Assistant. Until the center becomes fully operational, pensioners may avail services from nearby CGHS cities, while serving employees will continue to receive medical benefits under Central Services (Medical Attendance) rules.

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The center will provide much‑needed healthcare services locally, reducing the burden on pensioners who currently travel nearly 300 km to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Berhampur for treatment.

Following the approval, Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister J.P. Nadda, calling the decision a significant step toward improving healthcare access for central government employees and retirees in western Odisha.