Revamping Bhubaneswar’s Urban Health Centers: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Prioritizes Upgrades for Enhanced Community Healthcare

Bhubaneswar, 11.7.2023 – The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking significant steps to enhance community health in urban areas through the renovation and transformation of primary health centres and community health centres. Today, a meeting was held by the City Health Society Executive Committee to discuss this important topic. Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange highlighted the commitment to strengthen the roots of community health by gradually renovating and giving a fresh look to these essential healthcare facilities.
Currently, Bhubaneswar has 22 primary health centres, 4 community health centres, and 17 health and wellness centres operating under various government health schemes through the Urban Health Mission. To further this initiative, urban officers are planning a range of schemes to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare services. These health centres play a crucial role in delivering primary services such as maternity healthcare and other essential medical services. The availability of these services free of cost benefits citizens, and the improved infrastructure will provide a conducive environment for patients and their caregivers.
Recognizing the importance of these health centres, the government has frequently granted approvals for the construction of new facilities. For the fiscal year 23-24, approvals have been granted for the construction of health centres in Sahid Nagar, Satya Nagar, IRC Village, Unit 3, Kalpana, Brahmeswar Patna, and Unit 9. Today’s meeting brought together all the key stakeholders, including the Additional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Health and Sanitation, City Engineer, Chief Health Officer, Assistant Director of Urban Public Health Office, Chief Medical and Health Officer, and PWD engineers. They will visit the health centres that have received approval to monitor the progress, discuss the site plans and land allocation, and ensure that the approvals are utilized effectively. The Public Works Department (PWD) will oversee the construction work.
Commissioner Kulange emphasized that all constructions should adhere to the government’s scheme guidelines and maintain consistency in specific areas. It is particularly important to make the health centres foolproof, ensuring their usability for women, children, and differently-abled individuals. The beautification of the centres, incorporating green spaces, and emphasizing proper biomedical waste disposal were highlighted as essential aspects of the renovation process.
Under the Urban Health Mission scheme, each health centre has been allocated a budget of 1.10 crore rupees. The Commissioner stated that if necessary, the allocated amount might be increased to ensure the successful completion of the renovation projects.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation remains committed to enhancing community health and well-being by improving the infrastructure and services provided by the urban health centres. These efforts will benefit the citizens of Bhubaneswar and contribute to the overall development and progress of the city.