Author: chandan giri

In a major advancement in medical diagnostics in the state, the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) today became the first healthcare facility in Odisha to install the MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight) system in its Central Laboratory. The new system was inaugurated by Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS.

The technology has a remarkable accuracy rate of 98.3 per cent and plays a crucial role in detecting antimicrobial resistance. In addition to speed and precision, MALDI-TOF also offers cost-effective benefits. It cuts down on labour hours, reduces hospital stays, and minimizes the need for repeated or additional tests. 

It also decreases laboratory waste by limiting the use of chemicals and reagents. 

It not only improves diagnostic speed but also enhances antibiotic stewardship, helping doctors choose the right antibiotics early, thereby reducing the risk of resistance and improving outcomes.

This state-of-the-art technology offers rapid, highly accurate, and cost-effective identification of microorganisms. 

MALDI-TOF identifies bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other microorganisms by analysing their unique protein “fingerprints”. While conventional methods take 24 to 48 hours, this system delivers results in just 1.5 minutes per sample, allowing clinicians to begin appropriate treatment without delay.

The system works by growing microbes on an agar plate, placing a tiny sample on a metal surface, and using a laser to break proteins into charged fragments. These fragments are then analysed and compared against a large database to quickly identify the organism.

Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS) organized a Seminar on “CO Attainment” on July 22, 2025, exclusively for the faculty members of the institute. The seminar aimed to enhance faculty understanding of Course Outcomes (CO), which are vital components of the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) framework.

The session was conducted by Mr. Dipti Ranjan Biswal, Vice Dean of the IQAC Cell, KIIT-DU. Mr. Biswal elaborated on the importance of aligning teaching-learning activities and assessments with desired outcomes to ensure continuous improvement in academic quality. He explained methodologies for mapping COs to POs, measuring attainment levels, and analyzing gaps for curriculum enhancement.

Interactive discussions allowed faculty members to clarify doubts and share their experiences in implementing OBE in nursing education. The session emphasized the role of data-driven evaluation in strengthening academic programs and improving student competencies. Faculty participants appreciated the seminar for its practical insights and expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained in their teaching practices.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging Mr. Dipti Ranjan Biswal for his valuable guidance and the IQAC cell for their continued support in fostering a quality culture at KINS.

The KIIT School of Pharmacy organized a guest lecture on 26^th July 2025, marking another significant academic endeavor aimed at fostering advanced knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The session commenced with a warm welcome by Prof. (Dr.) Biswaranjan Behera, Principal, KIIT School of Pharmacy. Dr. Behera introduced the distinguished guests, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the medical and academic fields. His address set the tone for an engaging and insightful session.

The program was graced by the presence of Dr. (Prof.) Ram Chandra Das, AVM, Dean & Principal, KIMS, whose insightful guidance added immense value to the lecture. Also present was Prof. (Brig.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty, VSM, Director, KIMS. He emphasized the value of collaborative learning and research in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.

The highlight of the event was the guest lecture delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Subrat Kumar Bhattamisra, Dean & Professor, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya. He presented an enlightening session on the topic: “Concept of Drug Discovery, Design and Development.” Prof. Bhattamisra explained the systematic process involved in drug discovery- from target identification and screening of compounds (hits), to lead optimization and preclinical studies. He elaborated on computer-aided drug design techniques, focusing on enhancing efficacy and minimizing side effects. The drug development phase, including Phases I–IV of clinical trials, was discussed in detail to highlight the assessment of safety, dosage, and efficacy in humans. The lecture emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the field, incorporating biology, chemistry, and pharmacology. Prof. Bhattamisra also highlighted the significant role of genomics, proteomics, and artificial intelligence in modern drug development.

There is an active participation of the students of B. Pharmacy, D. Pharmacy and faculty members. All the audience greatly benefited from the insightful discussion and real-world perspectives shared by the speaker.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. J. Jena, Assistant Professor, who expressed gratitude to all the guests, the resource person, and participants. The KIIT School of Pharmacy extends its sincere thanks to all dignitaries and participants for making the event a grand success.

Doctors at KIMS Super Speciality Hospital here have successfully performed total knee replacement (TKR) surgery on both knees of an 87-year-old woman, the oldest female patient in Odisha and Eastern India to undergo such a procedure. The patient had been suffering from severe knee arthritis for over 15 years and was bedridden for the last five.

Despite being advised surgery earlier, she was hesitant due to common fears among the elderly — that surgery might not be successful or could lead to further disability.

Her condition worsened to the point that she could no longer walk or manage daily tasks, prompting her family to consult with Prof. Dr. Basant Kumar Behera, an expert in joint replacement surgeries at KIMS.

Given her age and existing health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and a heart condition, the doctors decided to conduct the surgery in two phases with a three-month gap to ensure her safety.

The first surgery on her right knee was performed on April 7 and the second on her left knee on July 21. Both were carried out successfully using modern techniques that minimized pain and risk. Dr. Raj Mohan and his anaesthesia team used spinal anaesthesia with a nerve block, ensuring the patient remained comfortable throughout the procedures.

The patient was able to walk with support just one day after each surgery. With regular physiotherapy, she made steady progress and was discharged in stable condition just five days after her second operation, without any complications.

Doctors at KIMS highlighted that while joint replacement surgeries in patients over 80 years are often considered high-risk due to age-related health issues, advancements in surgical techniques, anaesthesia, and post-operative care have made these procedures safer and more effective.

“There is no fixed age limit for knee replacement. The decision depends on the patient’s overall health, mobility, and severity of pain. With the right approach and modern technology, elderly patients can regain independence and live pain-free,” said Dr. Behera.

The case serves as a message to many elderly individuals suffering from arthritis. Experts estimate that about 30 percent of people over the age of 50 in India experience knee arthritis, and around 1 percent of them could benefit from knee replacement surgery. Yet, due to fear and misconceptions, many delay treatment until they become immobile.

KIMS Super speciality hospital is a well-equipped hospital with advanced technology to carry these procedures with minimal risk. Both surgical and Anaesthesia teams are well experienced to provide safe surgery to these elderly patients.

The Annual Biochemistry Quiz was conducted at KIMS on July 22 with spirited participation and infectious enthusiasm, reaffirming the role of interactive learning in medical education.

Designed as an innovative educational tool, the quiz aimed to ignite curiosity and critical thinking among students. The event proved to be highly engaging, drawing not just the active involvement of the participants but also of the audience, who enjoyed and learned from the experience.

The session was anchored by Prof. Dr. Viyatprajna Acharya and Prof. Jyotirmayee Bahinipati, who served as Quiz Masters. Their thought-provoking questions and dynamic interaction kept the atmosphere intellectually stimulating and vibrant throughout.

The team comprising Mr. Dishant Piyush Panigrahi and Ms. Adyasha Mishra emerged as winners and has been selected to represent KIMS in the upcoming inter-college Biochemistry Quiz competition organised by the Association of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Professionals (ACCLMP).

All participants were felicitated by faculty members in recognition of their enthusiasm and effort. The event stood as a shining example of active learning that transcends traditional classroom boundaries and nurtures a collaborative academic culture.