The ongoing construction for the new Chauliaganj dispensary and (below) the rented building it has been operating from for 30 years. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 2: The civic body will upgrade the Chauliaganj dispensary that has been operating from a rented house for the past 30 years.

According to the plans, the dispensary will shortly be shifted to its own permanent building near Chauliaganj field and construction has begun for it.

“As the dispensary had been running from a rented building, a proposal was mooted to shift it. However, as no suitable land was available, there was a delay in carrying out the construction,” said councillor Sarojini Sahoo.

Sahoo said a detailed project report for the Rs 2.38 crore-worth initiative had been prepared to upgrade the dispensary into a full-fledged hospital.

The proposals have been sent to the state government for necessary approvals.

There are plans to convert the dispensary into a 50-bed hospital.

“Work has begun to construct the dispensary’s own building, and later, a detailed project report will be prepared to convert it into a hospital,” said city health officer P.K. Pradhan.

Pradhan said the engineering section was constructing the permanent dispensary building for Rs 30 lakh and the dispensary is likely to be shifted to the permanent building after completion of the civil works by September next year.

The Chauliaganj dispensary is one of the oldest ones managed by the corporation. It was established in 1983.

The land, on which the dispensary is functioning, belongs to Kunja Bihari Matha, and according to the agreement, the civic body is paying a monthly rent of Rs 250 for the property.

Though a foundation stone for the construction of a permanent dispensary building was laid a couple of years ago, there was delay in carrying out work due to a civil dispute.

The Chauliaganj dispensary is a amajor health care centre as it caters to the daily medical needs of around 150 patients.

“Though there is an operation theatre, the dispensary lacks basic facilities such as drinking water and other arrangements. Besides, no step has been taken to develop it as no major repair work has been undertaken here,” said local resident Pradip Sahu.