Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has asked District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) to step up outreach and facilitate the mobilisation of persons affected by drug addiction to de-addiction centres for treatment and rehabilitation.
The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), in an order issued on August 20, 2026, informed all DSSOs about the de-addiction centres being operated by the Health and Family Welfare Department and the facilities available there.
According to the department, nine De-Addiction Centres (DACs) were established at different locations across Odisha during 2016-17 following an order of the Orissa High Court.
The centres are located at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Kataka; VIMSAR, Burla; MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur; Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar; Raurkela Government Hospital; and the District Headquarters Hospitals in Anugola, Balangir, Mayurbhanj and Puri.
Following a decision taken at a State Mental Health Authority meeting in 2021, the DACs were integrated with the respective District Mental Health Units.
The centres provide a range of services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and follow-up care for persons affected by drug addiction.
Despite nine de-addiction centres being available across the State, only two currently have dedicated buildings.
The DAC at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur has a 30-bed facility, while the centre at DHH Mayurbhanj has a 10-bed facility.
The department’s human resources data show that 14 posts each for Clinical Psychologists (CPs) and Psychiatric Social Workers (PSWs) were sanctioned across the nine centres.
At present, 13 CPs and 13 PSWs are in position, leaving one vacancy in each category.
The PSW post is vacant at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, while the CP post is vacant at Raurkela Government Hospital.
The government has stated that patients undergoing treatment at the DACs have access to general healthcare services, including free diagnosis, medicines and treatment.
Patients can also avail themselves of treatment-related benefits under the PM-JAY and GJAY health insurance schemes.
The State government is also supporting the establishment of Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in government hospitals to provide specialised treatment.
Counselling and psychiatric services are available free of cost, while telehealth services are also being provided.
Departmental data show that 2,872 patients received de-addiction treatment between January 2025 and May 2026 during visits to jails.
Of the total, 1,879 were old patients, while 993 were new patients.
The highest monthly number of patients was recorded in February 2026, when 250 patients received treatment. This included 184 old patients and 66 new patients.
The government has now asked the concerned DSSOs to make use of the information on the available de-addiction centres and facilities to facilitate the mobilisation of persons affected by drug addiction.
