Author: chandan giri

The 17^th Odisha IRACON, the annual conference of the Odisha State Chapter of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA Odisha), was successfully conducted at KIMS. As the flagship academic event of the state chapter held each year, the conference witnessed an impressive 437 registrations, reflecting the growing academic strength and expanding rheumatology community in Odisha.

 The meeting commenced with a dignified inauguration ceremony graced by the Vice Chancellor, OUHS, Prof. (Dr.) Manash Ranjan Sahoo as the Chief Guest while the Principal & Dean of KIMS Prof. R.C. Das, AVM as the Guest of Honour, along with the President and Secretary of IRA Odisha, highlighting the strong institutional and professional support for the specialty.

A major highlight of the conference was the conferring of the prestigious R. N. Rath Oration upon Prof. (Dr.) A. N. Malaviya, in recognition of his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the field of rheumatology in India. His talk was inspiring, insightful, and deeply appreciated by the delegates. The scientific program was further enriched by lectures delivered by eminent national faculty including Dr. P. D. Rath, Dr. Venkatesh Pai, Dr. Siddharth Jain, and Dr. Parthajit Das, whose talks covered contemporary and clinically relevant themes across inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, and advances in therapeutics. Their participation significantly elevated the academic depth and national stature of the meeting.

A distinctive feature of this year’s IRACON was the enthusiastic involvement of young trainees. On 21^st  February, 28 oral case presentations were delivered by undergraduate students, demonstrating impressive clinical insight and early academic engagement with rheumatology. On 22^nd February, five oral presentations by PG and DM trainees showcased advanced clinical reasoning and research orientation, leading to stimulating discussions and valuable faculty feedback. The conference served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration, reinforcing IRA Odisha’s commitment to nurturing future rheumatologists while maintaining high scientific standards.

The Organizing Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Patron and Founder of KIIT, for his unwavering encouragement and institutional support, as well as to the Indian Rheumatology Association for its continual guidance. With excellent participation, high-quality scientific deliberations, and seamless organization, the 17^th  Odisha IRACON 2026 emerged as a resounding academic success as well as a milestone for the rheumatology fraternity of Odisha.

The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Bhubaneswar has set a record, performing the highest number of successful liver transplants in Odisha. The new benchmark is owed largely to the establishment of a comprehensive liver transplantation programme at KIMS, a transformative step in regional healthcare delivery. A dedicated medical team is leading this initiative.

In collaboration with the renowned AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, the KIMS Liver Transplantation Unit integrates clinical expertise, advanced technology, and evidence-based protocols to provide holistic and patient-centric care. This strategic collaboration ensures that patients in Odisha and neighbouring states receive nationally benchmarked transplant services without the burden of geographical displacement.

“Our team has achieved several historic milestones, underscoring its leadership in the field of liver transplantation in Odisha,” said Dr. Satya Prakash Ray Choudhury, Senior Consultant in GI, HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant. “Our team has performed the highest number of liver transplantations in the state and has set multiple firsts, including Odisha’s first cadaveric liver transplantation, the first paediatric liver transplant, and the first laparoscopic donor hepatectomy.”

These achievements reflect not only surgical excellence but also a strong commitment to innovation, donor safety, and ethical transplantation practices.

Liver disease has become a significant public health challenge in India, with a steady rise in cases of liver cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and end-stage liver disease. For many patients, liver transplantation remains the only definitive and life-saving treatment.

Until a few years ago, access to advanced liver transplantation services was largely restricted to metropolitan centres, forcing patients from eastern India to travel long distances in search of care.

Liver Transplantation in KIMS :

KIMS offers a state-of-the-art and comprehensive Liver Transplantation Programme aimed at delivering world-class outcomes for patients suffering from complex liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancers. The programme is meticulously designed to address the entire spectrum of liver care—from early diagnosis and medical management to advanced surgical intervention and long-term post-transplant follow-up.

The multidisciplinary liver transplant team comprises experienced hepatologists, transplant surgeons, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, radiologists, pathologists, transplant coordinators, and dedicated nursing staff. Supported by advanced intensive care units, modern operating theatres, and comprehensive diagnostic facilities, the programme ensures seamless care across all phases of transplantation.

“From the very first consultation to surgery and in each follow-up, the transplant team gave me hope, strength and care. I have got a second life and I am filled with immense gratitude. The past year witnessed many things from sorrow and joy, and nothing would have been possible without your support and care,” said a young girl, brimming with joy and a fulfilling life ahead.

Beacon of Hope for Patients with Liver Diseases :

The KIMS Comprehensive Liver Transplantation Care Programme stands as a beacon of hope for patients and families battling the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of liver disease. Beyond surgical intervention, the programme emphasizes patient education, preventive hepatology, nutritional rehabilitation, and long-term quality of life. With a strong focus on ethical organ donation, community awareness, and continuous clinical excellence, KIMS is not only transforming individual lives but also reshaping the state’s liver care landscape.

Surg. Captain Dr. Umesh K. Dash, Professor, Dept. of Anaesthesia, KIMS was invited to deliver a guest lecture at the prestigious United Institute of Medical Sciences, United University, Prayagraj on the 21^st of February 2026. 

During the engaging session on “Types of Shock: Differentiation and Management (An interactive Session)”, which was attended by all the Faculty members, Post- Graduate (PG) students, and Final year Under-Graduate (UG) students at the Institute, Dr. Dash provided a comprehensive overview of Shock as a critical medical emergency characterized by circulatory failure and inadequate tissue perfusion. He delved into the various types of shock with clarity on differentiation using both fundamental and cutting-edge methods of investigations and monitoring.

Dr. Umesh emphasized practical approaches for management, drawing from real-world clinical insights to ensure the concepts were relatable and applicable. The session included interactive case scenarios to encourage independent analysis and propose appropriate management strategies. This hands-on element not only reinforced theoretical knowledge but also honed the participants’ critical thinking and decision-making skills.

The session received enthusiastic appreciation from all attendees including the top management. While Dr. Pramod Kumar, the Medical Director- UIMS, Prayagraj commended Dr. Dash for his expertise, clarity, and ability to inspire the next generation of medical professionals, Prof. Emeritus (Dr.) Pradeep Sahi, Dept of Anaesthesia appreciated Dr. Umesh Dash for his academic excellence, clinical expertise, and commitment to medical education. The Principal Brig (Dr.) GC Satapathy also thanked him for his insightful lecture which was a valuable educational experience, bridging the gap between academic theory and clinical practice in the field of anaesthesiology.

Dr. Umesh Dashappreciated Hon’ Founder KIIT, KISS & KIMS Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta for the opportunity to be a part of KIMS(post a successful stint at Indian Navy)and support in the endeavour of providing Healthcare with Healing Touch.

In continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between KIMS Hospital and BD India, a two-day workshop titled “AIM For Safety” under the Quality Improvement Programme on PIVC Safety was successfully conducted on 20th & 21st February 2026.

The programme was organized with the objective of strengthening Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), and Quality Improvement practices related to Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation (PIVC). The initiative reaffirmed KIMS’ steadfast commitment to promoting safe infusion practices and minimizing healthcare-associated infections across all clinical areas.

Inaugural Ceremony:

The inaugural session began on a vibrant cultural note with a graceful Odissi dance performance by the Nursing team, symbolizing harmony, precision, and dedication—values that resonate strongly with patient safety.

The formal proceedings commenced with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Gitanjali Mohanta, Nursing Superintendent, who emphasized the critical importance of standardized PIVC practices and the pivotal role of nursing leadership in driving quality improvement initiatives.

The programme introduction was delivered by Mr. Jismon Joseph, Nursing Educator, who highlighted the journey of the KIMS IV Team, the objectives of the workshop, and the expected clinical and institutional outcomes.

The distinguished dignitaries present shared their valuable insights and words of encouragement, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence in patient care, were Dr. R.N. Samanta, Advisor to Founder; Dr. P.K. Das, Senior Director – General Administration; Mr. S.K. Satpathy, Director – Operations; Mr. K.P. Dwivedi, Director, CRRIP and Prof. (Dr.) Manas Ranjan Behera, Medical Superintendent.

Their addresses highlighted the importance of structured quality initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained monitoring to enhance patient safety outcomes.

A key scientific session was delivered by Dr. Rubaina Siddique, Medical Affairs Manager, BD India, who shared expert insights on evidence-based IV therapy practices, global safety standards, risk mitigation strategies, and systematic approaches to reduce PIVC-related complications.

Academic & Practical Learning Sessions:

The two-day workshop offered a comprehensive academic and skill-based learning experience, including: Interactive scientific sessions on PIVC safety protocols; Hands-on training on best practices in IV cannulation; Reinforcement of aseptic techniques and infection prevention measures; A Patient Safety Quiz to strengthen knowledge retention; and Active collaboration with Infection Prevention and Nursing Education teams.

The sessions provided participants with an opportunity to update their clinical knowledge, refine procedural skills, and align infusion therapy practices with international safety benchmarks.

Commitment to Quality & Continuous Improvement:

The “AIM For Safety” programme marks a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward continuous quality improvement. By combining clinical expertise, structured training, and industry collaboration, the initiative strengthens institutional protocols and empowers nursing professionals to deliver safer, evidence-based care.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Dipali Mohanty, DNS, expressing sincere gratitude to the leadership team, faculty members, organizers, and participants for their active involvement and support.

Through such forward-looking academic initiatives, KIMS Hospital continues to nurture a culture of excellence, accountability, and lifelong learning—ensuring better patient outcomes and a safer working environment for healthcare professionals.

Around 600 participants attended the two-day workshop, reflecting strong interdisciplinary engagement and institutional commitment toward enhancing infusion safety practices.

World Leprosy Day Observed at RHTC, Kalarabanka

World Leprosy Day was observed at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Kalarabanka with great enthusiasm and community participation, reinforcing the commitment to early detection, effective treatment, and elimination of stigma associated with leprosy. As per the directive SLAC- theme for 2026 is “Ending Discrimination, Ensuring Dignity” The activity started  from 30^th January and continued for a fortnight till 13^th February 2026.

This was followed by an interactive health education session with the school students. Dr. Geeta , and Dr. Sai  Post Graduates and Interns explained leprosy in detail, covering its causes, signs and symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment, and prevention. Posters were used as visual aids, and audio-visual IEC materials were played to enhance understanding and engagement among the students. The session concluded with a quick quiz, encouraging active participation. Goodies were distributed to the students as appreciation for their support in the programme.

Students were also sensitized to identify individuals with hypo-pigmented patches and hypoesthesia and were requested to counsel such persons to report to the health camp scheduled on 13^th February 2026 at RHTC, Kalarabanka. The programme was well responded by the students and faculty, and the active participation made the observance a grand success, reinforcing the message that leprosy is curable and stigma must be eliminated. The entire event was meticulously planned, organized, and executed under the guidance of Dr. Sai Chandan Das (Supervisor, RHTC) and Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya (RHTC In-Charge)

The programme on 13^th February  commenced in presence of guests Ms. MitaPattnaik (PHEO, Nischintakoili Block); Prof. (Dr.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty (Professor of Medicine); Mr. Ashok Kumar Parida (Principal, Kalinga English Medium School); Mr. Durga Chandra Samanta (CEO – N.M.C.T., Manapur Panchayat), and Mr. Balaram  (Supervisor).

Key technical sessions focused on early detection, screening, diagnosis, intensive treatment, and follow-up measures for leprosy. Ms. Mita Pattnaik and Prof. (Dr.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty emphasized the crucial role of ASHAs in timely identification of suspected cases, ensuring treatment adherence, and sustained follow-up. Special emphasis was placed on reducing social stigma, encouraging empathy, awareness, and community support for affected individuals. In recognition of exemplary fieldwork, ASHAs—Renu, Mita, Laxmipriya, and Urmila were felicitated by the dignitaries for their dedicated services in their respective Anganwadi Centres. Adding a powerful personal perspective, Mr. Balakrushna Singh, a treated  leprosy case, shared his experience, highlighting the ease and effectiveness of treatment and follow-up when accessed timely, thereby instilling confidence and hope among attendees. He was felicitated with a cash incentive.

Simultaneously, a Skin Camp was conducted alongside the main programme. Dr. Paromita Dey, Senior Resident (Skin & VD); along with Dr. Ashneet Kaur, Post-Graduate (Skin & VD), successfully examined 50–60 patients, providing consultations and guidance. The camp operations were streamlined by Dr. Gouri Kumar Rath, 3^rd Year Post-Graduate, Department of Community Medicine, who ensured smooth coordination and supervised drug dispensing with the support of proactive interns posted at the RHTC. The entire event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Sai Chandan Das (Supervisor, RHTC) and Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya (RHTC In-Charge).

National Leprosy Day Observed at UHTC, KIMS

The Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC) wing of the Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), successfully observed National Leprosy Day with the objective of creating awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting early detection and treatment of leprosy within the community.

The program was conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Basanta Kumar Behera and Dr. Prem Sagar Panda. Both faculty members delivered insightful health talks focusing on the epidemiology of leprosy, its early signs and symptoms, availability of free treatment under the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP), and the importance of social inclusion and elimination of discrimination against affected individuals.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from interns of the Department of Community Medicine, who played a significant role in community engagement. Through short, focused health education snippets, the interns addressed common myths and misconceptions related to leprosy, emphasized the curability of the disease, and encouraged the community to seek timely medical care. Their interactive approach helped in effectively communicating key public health messages to the residents.

As part of the awareness activities, a rally was organized, which commenced from Panda Park Basti and concluded at Rikshaw Colony Basti, both of which fall under the catchment area of UHTC, KIMS. The rally served as a visible and impactful medium to disseminate messages on leprosy awareness, early reporting, and stigma reduction, drawing active attention and participation from the local community.

The National Leprosy Day observation at UHTC, KIMS, reinforced the department’s commitment to community-oriented preventive and promotive health services. The coordinated efforts of faculty, interns, and healthcare workers contributed to the successful conduct of the program, aligning with national public health goals of leprosy elimination and community empowerment.

The Department of Community Medicine, KIMS, continues to strive towards strengthening community awareness initiatives and fostering inclusive healthcare practices through sustained field-based activities.

The department sincerely expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Principal, Prof (Dr.) R.C. Das, KIMS and the Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Prof (Dr.) Sonali Kar, KIMS for their unvarying administrative support, encouragement , and invaluable guidance in successfully organizing this community based public health initiative.

The Department of Community Health Nursing, Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS), organized an awareness programme under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) at the urban slum of Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar recently.

The programme was conducted by postgraduate students along with B.Sc. Nursing 7^th semester students as part of their academic curriculum. The programme was organized in collaboration with Health Department, District Leprosy Office Khordha/Bhubaneswar; National Health Mission (NHM); Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI); Student Nurses Association of India(SNA) and BNLW; and Bhubaneswar Urban under the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2026. The main objective of the programme was to create community awareness about leprosy through a rally and role play.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Soumya Sonalika, Associate Professor, KINS, and generously sponsored by Dr. Anasuya Pattnayak, President of the Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI) Odisha and Head of the Department of Community Health Nursing, KINS. The event was conducted in the esteemed presence of Dr. Rajendra Kumar Mallick, ADPHO (Leprosy), Bhubaneswar; and Dr. Saumyakanta Satyasundar, District Leprosy Consultant, Khordha/Bhubaneswar, who provided valuable guidance to the students and community members.

Dr. Hemanta Kar, Professor Emeritus, Department of Dermatology, KIMS, graced the occasion as the distinguished guest. The programme was actively supported by the faculty members of the Department of Community Health Nursing, namely Ms. Trupti Rekha Swain; Mrs. Sasmita Nayak; Mrs. Prativa Roy; Mrs. Debashree Kar; Ms. Rajashree Bhol; Mr. Shivaji Ranjan Lenka; and Mr. Debasis Pradhan. The programme was also attended by Mr. Raghunath Pradhan, Social Worker (BNLW, Bhubaneswar Urban), the community president, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi Workers (AWW) of Niladri Vihar.

A total of 150 community members actively participated in the programme, contributing to its overall success. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme aims to eliminate leprosy through early detection, complete treatment with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), prevention of disability, and reduction of stigma and discrimination. Community awareness plays a vital role in dispelling myths and misconceptions related to the disease.

As part of the awareness activities, the students organized a rally to disseminate key messages regarding early signs and symptoms of leprosy, availability of free treatment at government health facilities, and the importance of early reporting and treatment adherence. Slogans and posters were used effectively to educate the public and promote positive attitudes toward persons affected by leprosy. The theme for the year, “Leprosy is curable; the real challenge is stigma,” was emphasized throughout the programme. At the end of the rally, students, faculty members, guests, and community participants took the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Pledge.

A role play was also performed by B.Sc. Nursing 7^th semester students to demonstrate common myths and misconceptions, early symptoms of leprosy, the treatment process, and the importance of completing the full course of MDT. The role play conveyed messages in a simple and effective manner, reinforcing that leprosy is completely curable and that treatment is available free of cost at government health facilities.

The programme successfully enhanced community participation, improved awareness, and helped reduce fear and stigma related to leprosy. Overall, the awareness activities conducted through the rally and role play were informative and impactful. The programme also provided valuable learning experiences for the nursing students in health education, inter-sectoral collaboration, and community mobilization, thereby contributing toward the national goal of achieving a leprosy-free India.

Under the joint banner of the APLAR (Asia Pacific League Against Rheumatism) Digital Health & Telemedicine SIG, and the Indian Association of Rheumatology (IRA) Digital Health SIG, an online workshop on Generative Artificial Intelligence was carried out from KIMS. There were 131 registrations from across the nation for the event.

Experts from Singapore, Dr. Terence Tan, AI research, former Immunologist and member of the Amazon Web Services; and Dr. Anindita Santosa, Rheumatologist and AI startup founder took the lead in the workshop. This was carried out with 20 min lectures followed by 20 min interactive sessions. The experts demonstrated the utility of Generative AI in different fields relevant to rheumatologists, starting from patient flow management, educating patients, creating awareness on social media and so on.

The workshops demonstrated prompt engineering and optimizing outputs, how to have human overview, built custom tools, and avoiding hallucinations. The theme of the workshop was “Co-pilot, not auto-pilot”. The participants took active part in the workshop, focusing the flow and adding to the overall value.

The entire workshop was conducted by Prof. Sakir Ahmed from KIMS who is the convenor of the IRA Digital Health SIG and the chair for the APLAR Digital Health & Telemedicine SIG. He was helped by Emeritus Professor Dr. Ramnath Misra and Head of Department Prof. Prasanta Padhan and Dr. Debashish Maikap.

Dr. Sakir expressed his thanks to the Hon’ble Founder for providing the platform for such cross-discipline cutting technology work at KIMS, and also to the APLAR and the IRA for the workshop.

KIMS Pain Medicine Department led by Senior Consultant Dr. Rajendra Sahoo brought laurels for the KIMS in the recently concluded 40^th National Pain Conference (ISSPCON 2026) at Hyderabad, winning the first prize in Neuropathic Pain category presentation.

Dr. Sahoo, Consultant in Pain Medicine was invited as a “Faculty” for the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound workshop and he also delivered a lecture on “Piriformis Syndrome & Pudendal Neuralgia” which was highly appreciated for the video presentation and troubleshooting tips for a safe and accurate procedure. 

Dr Sahoo presented his work done at KIMS on “Postherpetic Neuralgia prevention with early intervention in Acute Herpetic Neuralgia Stage”. His e-poster got selected for podium presentation out of 72 topics and in the end, Dr. Sahoo ended up winning “First Prize” in Neuropathic Pain category presentation.

Similarly, Dr. Anjali chaired a session in the conference and also presented an eposter on “Adolescent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and its successful treatment”, which was highly appreciated.

The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, KIMS successfully conducted a one-day training programme on Snakebite Management recently. The programme was designed for MBBS interns and graduates with the objective of bridging the gap between academic learning and clinical excellence in the management of snakebite envenomation.

The training curriculum was strictly aligned with the National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) and the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) 2017. The primary focus of the programme was to equip frontline clinicians with protocol-driven, evidence-based care, contributing to the national goal of halving snakebite-related deaths by 2030.

The scientific proceedings were structured to ensure both theoretical understanding and practical competency. The day commenced with a pre-workshop assessment, followed by didactic academic sessions, an intensive hands-on skills workshop, and concluded with a post-workshop evaluation to assess knowledge gain and skill enhancement.

During the academic sessions, Dr. Basanta Kumar Behera, Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at KIMS, provided an overview of the epidemiology of snakebite envenomation and outlined the key components of NAPSE. Identification of venomous snakes was addressed by Mr. Subhendu Mallick, General Secretary of Snake Help Line, Odisha, who demonstrated the distinguishing features of the “Big Four” venomous snakes found in India. Clinical management aspects were covered through sessions by Dr. Siddharth Mishra, Professor and Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, KIMS; and Dr. Asis Kumar Ray, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, KIMS. These sessions focused on systematic clinical approaches, early recognition of envenomation, and the rational administration of Anti-Snake Venom.

The hands-on workshop formed the core of the training, with participants rotating through five specialised skill stations. These included practical training on Anti-Snake Venom preparation, reconstitution, and intravenous administration; comprehensive clinical examination techniques such as the 20-minute Whole Blood Clotting Test and the Neck Lift Test; immobilisation methods and safe patient transfer protocols; management of anaphylaxis and related complications including adrenaline dosing and ventilator settings; and case-based problem-solving exercises covering neuroparalytic and hemotoxic envenomation, as well as paediatric and pregnancy-related snakebite cases.

The programme was well received by participants, who found the blend of guideline-based teaching and practical exposure highly relevant for real-world clinical settings, reinforcing KIMS’ commitment to strengthening emergency care and public health preparedness.

Dr. Dev Garg, a postgraduate trainee from the Department of Respiratory Medicine at KIMS, won the first prize for paper presentation at the Annual State Conference of Pulmonologists (CHESTCON-2026), held in December, 2025 at Gopalpur in Odisha.

The second prize for paper presentation was secured by Dr Suhas Sriperumbudur, while Dr. Abhipsa Sinha won the third prize in the poster presentation category. The awards were announced during the scientific sessions of the conference, which saw active participation from pulmonologists, faculty members, and postgraduate students from across the state.

CHESTCON-2026 was organised by the Department of Respiratory Medicine, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur. The conference featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including hands-on workshops on allergy testing, lectures on recent advances in respiratory medicine, panel discussions, and paper and poster presentations by postgraduate students.

Congratulating the winners, Prof. Amrut Kumar Mohapatra, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine, lauded their academic excellence and performance at the conference. He also wished them continued success in their future academic and professional endeavours.