Bhubaneswar, April 7: The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) here observed the World Health Day 2025 with a series of impactful events, focusing on this year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The focus was on Maternal and Child Health (MCH) care and emphasis on prioritizing women’s long-term health and well-being.
The events were led by the Department of Community Medicine which conducted quiz competitions and seminars and released a video on Maternal and Child Health Awareness. The video, prepared in Odia, aimed at raising awareness about MCH, showcasing comprehensive healthcare services provided at KIMS, spanning from the preconception period to child development.
The final round of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) Quiz competition was held with Team B, consisting of Neha, Mrutyunjay, and Ayush, emerging as the winners and Team D with Vedaant, Ayush and Abhradeep securing the 1st runner-up. Team A led by Aniket, Bikasita and Arushi stood as 2nd runner-up, showcasing their knowledge of preventive healthcare and social medicine.
The competition was graced by Dr. R. C. Das, Principal and Dean of KIMS, Prof. Dr. Sonali Kar, HOD Community Medicine, and Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya, Nodal Officer for the IAPSM World Health Day Quiz 2025. Prof. Dr. Aswini Kumar Kar, Principal of the Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences; Prof. Dr. Sebaranjan Biswal, HOD of Paediatrics and Prof. Dr. Jyochnamayi Panda, HOD Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) also graced the function.
A seminar was organised where Dr. Nihar Ray, Team Lead at WHO Odisha, delivered an insightful talk on the theme for the day, highlighting the critical role of early health interventions and how ensuring healthy beginnings in life can lead to better long-term health outcomes.
The HOD of the Dept of O&G, on the occasion, stressed counselling of the couples before conception and early screening for diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia that can affect pregnancy.
Once pregnancy begins, regular antenatal check-ups and following all WHO guidelines are crucial for the health of both mother and baby. A healthy newborn is the result of a well-managed pregnancy. Hence, it is vital to prioritise women’s long-term health and well-being, she said.
At KIMS, the Dept of O&G offers comprehensive care to antenatal women, including check-ups, vaccinations, dietary guidance, physiotherapy, and well-equipped labour rooms maintained by expert healthcare professionals. We provide 24×7 support with laboratory, ultrasound, and blood bank facilities.