Author: chandan giri

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.

KIIT organised a mega blood donation camp as part of the Art of Giving initiative on 31st January, 2026. Since early morning, thousands of students and staff members from KIIT, KISS and KIMS made a beeline to the collection centre to voluntarily donate blood.

The blood donation camp was inaugurated by the Founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, who extended his warm wishes and gratitude to all the volunteers for their noble contribution.

Blood was collected with the participation of medical professionals and staff from the blood banks of KIMS, SCB Medical College Hospital, Capital Hospital Blood Bank, BMC Hospital Bhubaneswar, the Central Red Cross Blood Bank in Cuttack, the Indian Red Cross Society Odisha State Branch in Bhubaneswar, as well as blood banks from the district headquarters hospitals of Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapara, Puri, Angul, Kendujhar and Khordha. The camp continued until 5 p.m., during which a total of 4000 units of blood were collected.

KIIT University Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh; Pro VC Prof Dr. C B K Mohanty; and Prof. K. D. Raju, KIMS Principal Prof. (Dr.) R. C. Das; KIMS Medical Superintendent Dr. Manas Behera; KIIT Registrar Prof. J R Mohanty; and  KIMS Group Director Dr. Dillip Panda, along with several other senior officials from KIIT KISS and KIMS.

Elaborate arrangements were made by KIMS to ensure that voluntary blood donors could donate blood in an orderly and smooth manner.

KIMS proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its Nursing Superintendent, who represented the institution at the Nursing Luminaries Conclave 2026 after  being invited  to the prestigious national-level gathering of nursing leaders and change-makers from across India ,after getting a  first prize for the entire East Zone for an abstract on infusion therapy safety in the BD  INSPIRE program ,Bhubaneswar chapter. The conclave was held from 17^th to 18^th January 2026 at Taj TaalKutir, Kolkata.

The event was jointly organized by the Infusion Nursing Society – India and the Association of Operating Room Nurses – Mumbai, India, with a shared vision of celebrating excellence, leadership, and innovation in the nursing profession. The conclave served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, and recognition of outstanding contributions to nursing practice and leadership.

Amidst participation from eminent nursing professionals across the country, the Nursing Superintendent of KIMS delivered an impactful Quality Improvement Program showcasing leadership initiatives, clinical excellence, and innovative nursing practices on infusion therapy implemented at KIMS. In recognition of this outstanding contribution, she was awarded the Runner-Up position, bringing pride and national recognition to the institution.

This achievement reflects KIMS’s unwavering commitment to nurturing nursing leadership, encouraging professional development, and promoting excellence in patient care. It also underscores the institution’s role in contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the nursing profession at a national level.

KIMS extends heartfelt congratulations to the Nursing Superintendent on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to continued leadership and inspiration that strengthens both the nursing fraternity and the quality of healthcare delivery.

In a step towards addressing the often-overlooked health needs of young people, a dedicated Youth Wellness Clinic (Tarunya) has been inaugurated at the Department of Paediatrics at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) here. Envisioned as a one-stop, adolescent-friendly health facility, the clinic focuses on the holistic wellbeing of adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.

Adolescence is widely recognised as a phase marked by rapid physical, hormonal, mental, social and emotional changes—factors that make young people particularly vulnerable and their health concerns distinct. Addressing these complexities, Tarunya is being positioned as one of the first clinics of its kind in the country, bringing together specialists from Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Community Medicine under one roof. The clinic is led by Dr. Swarnalata Das, Professor of Paediatrics, who highlighted the need for a safe, confidential and supportive environment where adolescents can seek help without fear or stigma.

The Youth Wellness Clinic will provide guidance on growth and puberty, menstrual health and PCOS, nutritional counselling, stress, anxiety and exam-related pressures, relationship and communication challenges, substance use counselling, sexual and reproductive health education, as well as age-appropriate vaccinations. In response to emerging concerns, services will also extend to parental conflict and pressing issues such as social media overuse and digital addiction.

With a target of reaching at least 5,000 adolescents in its first year, the clinic aims to evolve into a model framework for holistic adolescent healthcare.

Functioning every Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, the clinic goes beyond treatment to place strong emphasis on prevention. As part of its outreach initiatives, health awareness programmes on safe and responsible media use, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and learning to say “no” respectfully will be conducted in schools, colleges and community settings.

The clinic was inaugurated by the Principal and Dean, KIMS Prof. Dr R.C. Das. Medical Superintendent Dr. Manas Ranjan Behera, along with heads of departments and faculty members from Paediatrics, Psychiatry, O&G and Community Medicine, were present.