Sambalpur: Odisha Govt Marks Milestone in Disability Empowerment; Robotic Therapy Unit to Begin Soon for the Differently-Abled
Robotic Therapy and Assistive Services Coming Soon
Sambalpur: The Odisha government has decided to set up robotic therapy units and prosthetic and orthotic services in select districts, including Sambalpur. This initiative, led by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), aims to strengthen inclusive healthcare for differently-abled individuals. Sambalpur has been officially tagged for an Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC), and construction of its dedicated building is nearing completion.
Sambalpur to Serve as a Regional Hub
The Sambalpur ARC will act as a regional center, covering neighboring districts like Jharsuguda, Deogarh, and Bargarh. It will offer robotic therapy and fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic aids. SSEPD has instructed all district social security officers to begin referring eligible beneficiaries for these services.
Faster, Local Access for Rural Beneficiaries
This center will help reduce the need for long-distance travel to larger cities for specialized treatment. As a result, rural differently-abled individuals will receive timely, cost-effective support, reducing both physical and financial strain.
Online Sambalpur Is Now On WhatsApp!
Join us for the latest news updates delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
Subscribe Us On YouTube!
Join us for the latest news updates and video content delivered directly to you.
Enhanced Services Through Local Coordination
Ravindra Satapathy, Head of the Sambalpur Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), said that reconstruction of the center’s building at Balibandha is ongoing. The District Collector has visited the site and asked the contractor to complete the work quickly. Once complete, the center will offer more effective services in disability empowerment.
What Is Robotic Therapy?
Robotic-assisted therapy combines traditional physiotherapy with modern robotic equipment. These advanced tools help restore movement in limbs affected by nerve damage or injury. They allow repeated, precise, and targeted training, while also reducing the physical burden on therapists.
A Step Towards Decentralized, Inclusive Care
According to the government, this dual-capacity ARC in Sambalpur marks a major step in decentralizing rehabilitation services and building a more inclusive healthcare system across Odisha. The initiative also reflects a broader, coordinated effort especially under DMF funding and district-level collaboration to empower differently-abled individuals with dignity and accessibility.
