In a significant boost to healthcare accessibility for central government employees and pensioners in western Odisha, Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has revealed that a new Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Wellness Center will soon be established in Sambalpur.
This development comes following a positive response from Union Health Minister JP Nadda to Pradhan’s request, with all necessary approvals already secured from the Health and Finance Ministries.
The initiative addresses a long-standing need in the region, where numerous central institutions such as BSNL, the Postal Department, Income Tax Department, East Coast Railway, Central Excise Department, CRPF Group Center, IIM Sambalpur, and Kendriya Vidyalayas operate. A large number of serving employees and retired pensioners reside here, but the absence of a local CGHS facility has forced them to travel over 300 kilometers to cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Berhampur for medical services. This has particularly inconvenienced elderly pensioners, leading to hardships in accessing timely healthcare.
Pradhan had written to Health Minister Nadda on September 8, 2025, highlighting these challenges and urging the establishment of a CGHS center. In his reply, Nadda confirmed that approvals for the required posts and infrastructure have been granted. The center will include positions such as Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Pharmacists, and Junior Health Administrative Assistants. Until the facility becomes fully operational, pensioners can continue availing services from nearby CGHS cities, while serving employees will retain benefits under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules.
Expressing gratitude, Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister Nadda for their support. He emphasised that this step will simplify life for central government personnel and pensioners, marking a crucial advancement in regional healthcare services. “This wellness center will ensure that our dedicated employees and retirees receive quality medical care closer to home, reducing travel burdens and enhancing overall well-being,” Pradhan stated.
The establishment of the CGHS Wellness Center aligns with the government’s broader push for improved public health infrastructure, especially in underserved areas. It is expected to benefit thousands in Sambalpur and surrounding regions, fostering better health outcomes and operational efficiency for central institutions.
