Author: chandan giri

Gender-based violence (GBV) has been endorsed by member states in the 67^th World Health Assembly as a public health issue, necessitating healthcare and other interventions. Health impacts of violence can last a lifetime, affecting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Gender equality and freedom from violence, are critical determinants of health.

Department of Community Medicine, KIMS under the leadership of Head of the Department, Professor (Dr.) Sonali Kar, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, organized a state level workshop on “Gender Mainstreaming in Health” on 25^th November, 2024.

Senior Officials from Health Directorates of Health & Family Welfare Department, Odisha including Ms. Aswathy S, Commissioner–cum–Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department; Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, Director, Family Welfare; Dr. Prativa Pradhan, Joint Director, Child Health, Odisha; Shri Siba Prasad Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Law, Odisha; Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Director, Health Services, Odisha; Dr Braja Kishore Das, Additional Director, DMET, Head of Department FMT from selected Medical College and Hospitals of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack; Director Dr. Ramya Pinnamaneni and her team from Kalinga School of Public Health, health professionals and officials from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and NLUO actively participated in the workshop.

A brief round of introduction was followed by a technical session comprising of group discussion on various aspects of identifying stakeholders involvement and facilitation of addressing a case of gender violence. The technical session of the workshop was conducted under the subthemes- Essential laws and mandates for healthcare providers, The SDG focus on Gender and Health, Gender Responsive Budgeting in Health and MoHFW Guidelines: Revision of IPC to BNS. Each group’s moderator presented their share of a plan to develop educational as well as operating manuals. They were felicitated for their inputs. The way ahead of the workshop is to form a smaller core group who would work on compilation of the modules on mainstreaming gender based violence into health. A signature campaign against gender based violence was initiated in the workshop by Ms. Aswathy S, Commissioner–cum–Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department.

The Department expressed its deep gratitude to the visionary Founder KIIT, KISS & KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, whose commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable education and healthcare has been a constant source of inspiration. His leadership motivated to prioritize gender equity as a cornerstone of progress in health and beyond. The department thanked the  Dean and Principal, AVM Professor Dr. R.C Das, whose guidance and unwavering support was instrumental in organizing this workshop. His presence in the inaugural session and continuous encouragement ensured that such meaningful initiatives get seamlessly executed. One of the highlights of the event was releasing the information, education and communication material by the distinguished guests from the Government of health & family welfare.

The event organization was supported by Dr. Snigdha Singh, Assistant Professor, Community Medicine, PGs from Department: Dr. Angana Ray, Dr. Rosy Nayak, Dr. Gouri Rath, and Ms. Padmini, Ms. Pravasini, Mr. Santosh and Mr. Sanjeet. The whole event was hosted by the PGs of Community Medicine: Dr. Priyanka Mohanty and Dr. Ayesha Das.

The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) marked a significant milestone today by hosting its inaugural ‘Health National Conclave’. The event brought together some of the brightest minds from India and abroad to discuss pivotal topics shaping the future of medicine and healthcare in the country.

The event, conceived by the Founder of KIIT–KISS–KIMS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, was the first of its kind to be organized by a healthcare institute in Odisha

The key highlight of the conclave was Dr. Samanta’s announcement to establish 20 corporate-style hospitals across 20 districts of Odisha, each with 100 beds. These hospitals are set to be inaugurated by this time next year.

Eminent speakers at the conclave included Prof. (Dr.) D. Nageswar Reddy of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad; Prof. V. Mohan of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai; Prof. Vinod Paul of NITI Aayog, Prof. Ved Prakash Mishra of Krishna Viswa Vidyapith, among others. Their insights spanned diverse themes such as the ethics of entrepreneurship in healthcare, affordable medical innovations, and tackling the rising menace of diabetes.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Reddy, a Padma Bhushan Awardee, expressed admiration for KISS’ efforts in serving tribal communities and described the conclave as a holistic forum addressing a wide range of topics, including spirituality.

Prof. V. Mohan praised Dr. Samanta’s unique approach to healthcare, combining entrepreneurship with ethics. “If the intention is pure, the means will follow,” he remarked, emphasizing the transformative impact of such initiatives.

Dr. Subrat Acharya, KIIT Pro-Chancellor and eminent gastroenterologist, lauded KIMS’s achievements, noting its 15th rank in the NIRF rankings and its commitment to providing cutting-edge medical education and services.

The event also served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions, including sessions on making healthcare innovations affordable and the role of money in medicine. KIMS Principal Dr. R.C. Das emphasized the conclave’s unconventional approach, aiming to address the entire healthcare ecosystem in India.

Dr. Samanta, in his address, reiterated the importance of health as a cornerstone of a beautiful life. “Even if you have all the wealth, you cannot enjoy it if you are unwell,” he remarked, highlighting KIMS’s continued efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for all.

Dr. Yogesh Kumar Chawla, Chairman of Academics and Professor Emeritus at KIMS, highlighted the institution’s growth trajectory, stating, “I have seen KIMS grow by leaps and bounds. It is no less than AIIMS and other reputed institutions. I am proud to be associated with its training programs.”

Echoing this sentiment, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the School of Medicine Dr. C.B.K. Mohanty remarked, “Our founder started with limited resources and knowledge, but today, KIMS has emerged as a mammoth institution. This conclave is truly the brainchild of his vision.”

The Department of Ophthalmology at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences KIMS organized a full-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on November 17, 2024. The event focused on “Amblyopia, Binocular Vision Disorders, and Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)” and brought together eminent speakers and enthusiastic participants for an enriching knowledge exchange.

Renowned experts from leading institutions graced the event, including Dr. Vivekanand Warkard, Dr. Debasmita Majhi, and Optom Sony Singh from LV Prasad Eye Institute; Dr. Sucheta Parija from AIIMS Bhubaneswar; Dr. Suchismita Mishra from IMS and SUM Hospital; and in-house speakers from KIMS, Dr. Shrutakirty Parida, Optom Kalyanamayee Bindhani, and Optom Shoubhik Chakraborty. The sessions featured insightful presentations and engaging discussions, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the topics.

The CME saw an impressive turnout, with 165 delegates, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, attending the event. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by dignitaries including Prof. (Dr.) Ramachandra Das (Dean and Principal, KIMS); Prof. Dr. H.K. Rajguru, former HOD, Ophthalmology, KIMS; Dr. Ashok Kumar Nanda, Vice President, OSOS; Dr. Sabyasachi Pattnayak, former Secretary, OSOS; Dr. Srikant Kumar Sahu, Director, LVPEI; and Dr. Anita Mishra.

The event also celebrated the winners of Children’s Week competitions, who were awarded prizes during the ceremony. A postgraduate quiz added an interactive element to the program, with the winners receiving accolades.

The World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025 was observed at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, in continuation to the grand celebrations of the last year of 2024, wherein a Tobacco Cessation Clinic was inaugurated as per the MOHFW directives.

The Departments of Community Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Psychiatry of KIMS, KIIT University jointly observed the theme “Unmasking the Appeal” in the last week of May 2025. Various events were held to raise awareness among the general public with the involvement of interns, postgraduate students, and faculty members.

The Department of Community Medicine took the lead role as the Coordinating department and the following activities were undertaken as Interdepartmental initiatives both in the hospital as well as in the field practice areas of the department.

The Alumni Committee of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences with the FIC as Dr. Krishna Mishra from the Department of Community Medicine supported by Dr. Swayanka Samantray from the Department of Psychiatry conducted an Alumni Talk on 23^rd November 2024 which is the first of its kind in KIMS.

The Alumni Talk was held in Lecture Theatre for MBBS students on the topic, “Life After MBBs-Role of The Institute”; the speaker being an undergraduate and postgraduate student of this institute Dr. Ansuman Kar. He is currently working as a Senior Resident in Dept. of Community Medicine, Shri Jagannath Medical College, Puri.

The programme was started with an opening address by the FIC and Dr. Mishra welcomed all the dignitaries. This programme was chaired by AVM Prof. Dr. R.C. DAS, Dean & Principal, KIMS; Prof. (Dr.) Sonali Kar, Professor & HOD, Community Medicine; and Prof. (Dr.) Basanta Kumar Behera, Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, KIMS.

Dr. Anshuman Kar began by sharing his personal journey, highlighting the challenges he faced after completing his MBBS. He emphasized the significance of an institute’s role in shaping the careers of its students. Dr. Kar stressed that an institute’s responsibility extends beyond providing academic knowledge; it should also foster skills, values, and networking opportunities essential for success in the medical profession.

Throughout the talk, Dr. Kar shared inspiring anecdotes, real-life examples, and valuable insights, which kept the audience engaged and motivated. The session provided an opportunity for the audience to interact with the speaker and seek guidance on their own career paths. The alumni talk by Dr. Anshuman Kar was a resounding success, offering valuable lessons and inspiration to the audience. The event reinforced the importance of an institute’s role in shaping the careers of its students and highlighted the need for students to be proactive in developing their skills, networks, and personal brand.

The Alumni Committee extended their heartfelt thanks to the Principal and other professors and PG students for being a part of the event and helped make it a grand success. The postgraduate students Dr. Baishnabi Pattnaik and Dr. Ayesha Das have extended their continuous support for the programme.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from AVM Prof. Dr. R.C. DAS (Dean & Principal); and Prof. (Dr.) Sonali Kar (Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine). The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Krishna Mishra (Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine& FIC Alumni Committee).