The event commences with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. Jayant Kumar Acharya, Chief Medical Officer (I/c), in the presence of Dr. Megharay Majhi, Additional Chief Medical Officer and Dr. P.K. Mohapatra, President, IMA–IGH Branch. Dr. Acharya delivered the keynote address on this year’s theme, “Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?”, underlining the importance of supporting healthcare professionals’ physical and mental well being while acknowledging their dedication and compassion.

A special felicitation of Dr. Rajyabardhan Pattnaik, former Head of the Intensive Care Unit and senior Anesthetist of IGH, was organized for his distinguished service and outstanding contribution to Critical Care Medicine.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Megharay Majhi. The event was organised under the guidance of Dr. P.K. Mohapatra, President, IMA–IGH Branch, with active support from Dr. J.R. Sahoo, Chief Consultant, IGH and Dr. C.K. Kasi, Additional Chief Medical Officer, IGH. The proceedings were compeered by Dr. Snehal Parve.

On the first day pulse polio was administered at different booths set up in the steel township. In IGH alone, 297 children were administered the polio vaccine. Subsequently the door to door campaign is going on in the township to ensure 100 percent vaccination of children in the age group 0 -5 years living in the township.

The patient was brought to IGH in an unconscious condition and was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. He was detected with Paraquat, a highly lethal poison with an almost 100 percent mortality rate if not treated promptly. Paraquat poisoning has no antidote, and the only effective life-saving intervention is Hemoperfusion Dialysis, which must be initiated within 24 hours to remove the toxin from the bloodstream.

Hemoperfusion is a highly challenging and advanced dialysis technique in which poisonous substances are removed from the blood by passing it through a special dialyser, while preserving essential body proteins. The procedure requires specialized equipment, expertise, and precise monitoring.

Considering the critical time factor, Dr. S. K. Rout, Chief Nephrologist, IGH, along with his dedicated team, decided to perform the complex procedure using the hospital’s existing facilities. The timely intervention proved successful, following which the patient showed significant improvement. His vital parameters stabilized, and he was closely monitored for ten days to rule out any complications.

The procedure and post-treatment care were supported by the committed efforts of nursing and technical staff, including Sister Anita, Sister Munita, technicians Dhananjaya, Srabani, Mahima, and other members of the Artificial Kidney Unit, who worked tirelessly for the patient’s recovery.

Dr. Rout has said that IGH is now fully capable of managing poisoning cases requiring Hemoperfusion Dialysis if patients are brought in at the right time, eliminating the need for referral to Bhubaneswar for such treatment.

It is noteworthy that the Artificial Kidney Unit of IGH was established in 1984 and has been serving patients from Rourkela and neighboring regions ever since. The unit provides comprehensive kidney care services, including kidney biopsy, permanent catheter insertion, hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other advanced renal therapies. The PMJAY empanelled hospital is well equipped to serve advanced treatment to patients with kidney-related ailments.

The felicitation ceremony was held on 21st November at Geet Govind Sadan, Bhubaneswar, where senior officials of the Health Department presented Dr. Panigrahi with a Certificate of Appreciation along with a cash award of Rs. 5,000. The award highlights his commitment to promoting male participation in family planning initiatives and strengthening reproductive health services in the region.

Dr. Manoj Panigrahi’s achievement reflects the dedication, expertise, and service-oriented approach of the medical fraternity of Ispat General Hospital under SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant. It also reinforces IGH’s ongoing efforts toward advancing public health goals and supporting government programmes focused on population stabilization and family welfare.

In a unique and critical case, doctors at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) successfully saved the life of a 9-year-old boy of Rourkela, who was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in an unconscious state because of suicidal hanging.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Acharya highlighted that eye donation is a priceless gift that can bring light to those living in darkness, and underlined the importance of raising awareness to inspire more people to pledge their eyes.

Carrying placards with impactful messages, the medicos and staff members of IGH marched up to Ambagan Chowk, spreading the message of eye donation among the public.

It is noteworthy that since its inception in April 2014, the Ispat Drushti Daan Eye Bank operating at IGH has collected 2316 corneas and successfully performed 1785 transplantations, restoring sight to numerous patients.

Under the Hospital Corneal Retrieval Program (HCRP), the Eye Bank has been making consistent progress. In the calendar year 2024 alone, it collected 335 corneas, while in 2025 it has already recorded 110 collections for transplant surgeries till date.

To further strengthen this noble mission, the Eye Bank encourages individuals to pledge their eyes for donation. The pledge form is available at the Ophthalmology OPD of IGH. Those interested in making a difference may contact 7789966150 for more details.

The patient, Ms. Manjuta Soreng of Bankibahal, Mandira Dam area, had been suffering from intermittent abdominal pain and swelling for the past two months. After thorough investigations including ultrasound, CT scan and cancer-related tests, she was provisionally diagnosed with a suspected uterine or ovarian tumor.

The complex surgery was carried out on September 6, 2025, by a dedicated medical team led by Dr. Byasadev Mishra, Senior Consultant (M&HS) with the support of Dr. Divya E Kuardar and Dr. Chanchal, under the supervision of HOD (OG) Dr. Prativa Sadangi, CMO (M&HS). Senior anaesthetists Dr. B.K. Naik, Dr. Shekhar, and Dr. Prantika provided crucial anaesthesia support, while Sister Rasna assisted in the procedure. During the surgery, the patient received one unit of blood transfusion.

A huge uterine tumor of size 30 x 25 x 20 cm was successfully removed. The patient has shown steady recovery after the operation.

The successful outcome is a testimony to the expertise, teamwork, and advanced facilities available at Ispat General Hospital, which continues to serve not only employees of RSP but also people of the entire region under various government health schemes including the Ayushman Bharat.

The patient was admitted to the Orthopedics Department with severe low backache radiating to both legs, coupled with inability to stand, walk, turn on the bed, and difficulty in passing urine and stools, three days prior to admission. An MRI revealed an L5-S1 Extruded Disc causing Cauda Equina Syndrome, a condition requiring immediate intervention. She was promptly referred to the Neurosurgery Department, where urgent surgery was planned.

The surgery was conducted by Dr. Manoj Kumar Deo, Senior Consultant (Neurosurgery), with anesthesia support from Dr. Manoranjan Samantray, Additional CMO, and intra-operative assistance from Sister Godhuli and Brother Kamalakar.

In the post-operative period, the patient demonstrated remarkable improvement. She was able to stand and walk on the very next day after the surgery and reported nearly 70% relief from her pre-operative complaints. She is presently recovering well.

This achievement once again reinforces the clinical excellence of the Neurosurgery team at IGH, which continues to deliver advanced, life-changing care to patients in and around Rourkela.