Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar has taken a commendable step toward strengthening senior wellness by hosting a unique Health Awareness and Interactive Session exclusively for retired engineers and 35 senior citizen couples, most of whom were part of the NIT Rourkela Alumni Association (NITRAA). With several participants being former SAIL and government officers, the initiative served as a thoughtful platform to address the evolving health needs of elderly professionals—an age group often juggling multiple lifestyle and medical challenges.
This in-house event, the first of its kind designed specifically for senior couples, aimed to empower participants with crucial knowledge on managing age-related health concerns such as prostate issues, cancers, orthopaedic conditions, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. Specialists from Manipal Hospital led the discussions, highlighting the importance of preventive care, early detection, and consistent monitoring to ensure a high quality of life in the later years. The interactive nature of the session encouraged couples to understand health not just as an individual journey, but as a shared responsibility supported by awareness and timely interventions.
The concept of this distinctive Couples Health Awareness Talk was rooted in the personal health journey of Mr. Arun Kumar Mohanty, Vice President (East Zone) of NITRAA. Between 2010 and 2022, he battled chronic kidney disease compounded by cardiac complications and was advised to remain dependent on lifelong dialysis. His turning point came in December 2022 when specialists at Manipal Hospital assured him that a kidney transplant was both possible and advisable. At the age of 69, supported by his wife who stepped forward as the donor, he underwent a successful transplant—an experience that inspired him to advocate for informed health decisions among senior citizens.
The event brought together leading medical experts, including Dr. Sunil Dash (Senior Consultant & Director – Orthopaedics), Dr. Subhod Das (Senior Consultant – Urology), Dr. Milan Ghadei (Consultant Interventional Cardiologist), Dr. Amlan Tapan Mohapatra (Consultant – Neurology), and Ms. Shivanee Tripathy (RCI Licensed Clinical Psychologist). Their sessions addressed the physical, emotional, and mental dimensions of aging, offering guidance that resonated deeply with the attendees.
Reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director – South East, emphasized that the programme underscored Manipal Hospital’s holistic approach to senior care. He highlighted that awareness, early intervention, and emotional support from loved ones can significantly enhance the well-being of elderly individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Arun Kumar Mohanty stated that the goal of the initiative was to remind senior couples that health management is a partnership—one that thrives on trust, shared responsibility, and timely medical advice.
With this thoughtful initiative, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar reaffirmed its commitment to compassionate, specialized care for the elderly. By blending medical expertise with empathetic patient engagement, the hospital continues to empower senior citizens to take charge of their health, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted healthcare leader in Eastern India.
