Bhubaneswar: A central govt health scheme (CGHS) wellness centre will be set up in Sambalpur very soon, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced in a press statement on Sunday.Pradhan, who is the Sambalpur MP, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union health minister Nadda for the initiative while stating that the centre would significantly ease the lives of central govt employees and pensioners.
On Sept 8 last year, Pradhan wrote to his cabinet colleague Nadda, highlighting the need for a CGHS health centre in Sambalpur. “Several important central offices of BSNL, India Post, the income tax department, East Coast Railway, central excise department, CRPF group centre, IIM and Kendriya Vidyalaya are located in Sambalpur. Many working employees and retired pensioners reside there,” Pradhan’s letter stated. “Due to the lack of this facility, they travel nearly 300 km to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Berhampur for medical treatment, which is particularly troublesome for elderly pensioners,” he added.In response, Nadda informed Pradhan through a letter that all approvals for the CGHS centre in Sambalpur were granted. The ministry of finance approved the health ministry’s proposal for the necessary staffing and related tasks for this centre. The positions include medical and nursing officers, pharmacist and junior health administrative assistant. Until the centre becomes fully operational, pensioners can avail of facilities from the nearest CGHS and working employees will continue to receive medical benefits under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules.There are five CGHS wellness centres in Bhubaneswar and one each in Cuttack and Berhampur.
