The Odisha government has directed District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) to step up outreach and mobilise persons affected by drug addiction to nine de‑addiction centres (DACs) across the state for treatment and rehabilitation.
In an order issued on August 20, 2026, the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) listed the centres operated by the Health and Family Welfare Department, established in 2016‑17 following an Orissa High Court directive.
The centres are located at SCB Medical College (Cuttack), VIMSAR (Burla), MKCG Medical College (Brahmapur), Capital Hospital (Bhubaneswar), Rourkela Government Hospital, and the District Headquarters Hospitals in Angul, Balangir, Mayurbhanj and Puri.
Integrated with District Mental Health Units since 2021, the DACs provide screening, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and follow‑up care. While nine centres exist, only two have dedicated buildings — a 30‑bed facility at MKCG Brahmapur and a 10‑bed unit at DHH Mayurbhanj.
Human resource data show 14 posts each for Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatric Social Workers were sanctioned, with one vacancy in each category. Patients at DACs receive free diagnosis, medicines and treatment, with benefits available under PM‑JAY and GJAY insurance schemes.
Between January 2025 and May 2026, 2,872 patients received de‑addiction treatment during jail visits, including 993 new patients. The highest monthly figure was 250 patients in February 2026.
The government is also supporting Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in hospitals, offering free counselling, psychiatric services and telehealth support. DSSOs have been asked to use the information to mobilise affected persons and ensure wider access to rehabilitation services.
