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.”