1st global meet of Odia origin docs to be held in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Odia Health Association–Global (OHA-Global) will host UDAAN 1.0, its first international conference of doctors of Odia origin, in Puri from Jan 24 to 26. The 3-day event will bring together the global Odia medical fraternity to discuss healthcare innovation, policy, professional well-being, and service to society.UDAAN (Utkal Doctors’ Annual Academic and Networking) event will be held on the theme “Seva Parama Dharma”, highlighting the ethical and humanitarian foundations of the medical profession. The conference is expected to draw over 250 senior clinicians, academics, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders in person, with participation from 5 countries and 17 Indian states. Additional delegates will join through a hybrid virtual platform, said organising chairman of the conference Bharat Panigrahi.The programme features 9 sessions over 3 days, combining academic discussions, networking forums, and social engagements. Topics include medical advances, innovation, translational research, adoption of global best practices in Odisha, and healthcare challenges specific to the state. A key focus will be on collaboration between doctors in Odisha, across India, and in the diaspora, with the state and other stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery, research, innovation, philanthropic services, and health-policy advocacy.

With the message that “healers also need healing”, UDAAN 1.0 will include sessions on mental health, work–life balance, resilience, mindfulness, and inner well-being. Special tracks on entrepreneurship, leadership, start-ups, and skill development are also planned to encourage innovation beyond clinical practice.RICO (Research and Innovation Cell of OHA-Global) will be inaugurated at the event. It is aimed at continuing medical education, mentorship, research collaboration, and innovation support, said organising secretary Sushant Sethi. The organising committee has a team of over 110 doctors. OHA-global spokespersons Swaroop Das and Narayan Prasad Modi said preparations were underway for the past 6 months.