Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), on Saturday hosted the 3rd edition of the KIMS Conclave, bringing together senior medical practitioners, AIIMS directors, public health specialists from across Odisha and India.
The objective was to deliberately threadbare the future of medical care, rural health empowerment and research-driven clinical practice. Among others, Secretary DHR & Director-General, ICMR, Dr Rajiv Bahl graced the event.
Addressing the conclave, Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS Dr Achyuta Samanta underlined that KIMS exists primarily to serve the poor. “We feel content when we get an opportunity to work for the poor. I have a social bent of mind, and I want all of you to be happy by serving society,” he said.
Outlining KIMS’ rural health vision, he announced that 20 KIMS rural hospitals, each with 100 beds and advanced technology, are being planned to bring qualit
y care closer to underserved communities.
KIIT Pro-Chancellor and noted gastroenterologist Dr Subrat Acharya praised Dr Samanta’s vision to “educate and empower society” and stressed that medical research must remain central to KIMS’ mission. “Research should bring greater benefits to people. Our responsibility is not only to treat, but also to generate knowledge that can transform healthcare delivery,” he said.
Speaking on KIMS’ distinctive model of patient care, KIMS Principal Prof (Dr) R. C. Das noted that it is the only hospital in India where all general beds are air-conditioned and patients receive meals at just Rs 100, underscoring its blend of comfort, quality and affordability.
The inaugural KIMS Health Hero Award – Health Empowerment in Rural Odisha (HERO) was conferred on Dr Sibananda Mohanty in recognition of his pioneering initiatives in community engagement, malaria control and maternal healthcare in remote areas of Mayurbhanj district.
Renowned doctors and academic leaders, including deans, department heads, senior clinicians, and experts from leading institutions in Odisha, including Dr Velu Nair, Prof K R Balakrishnan, Dr Sunil Shroff, Dr Abhijit Chowdhury, Prof V Kamakoti, Dr K Srinath Reddy and Prof Alok Dhawan; and Dr Ajit Mohanty attended the conclave.
The technical sessions spanned critical domains such as rural health innovation, emerging infectious diseases, mental health outreach, maternal and child health, surgical advancements, and future-readiness in medical education, a KIMS release added.