Bhubaneswar: Marking the occasion of World ORS Day, the Department of Paediatrics, KIMS in association with IAP Khurda Branch, and the Wellness Centre of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, jointly spearheaded a series of awareness initiatives to highlight the vital role of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) in preventing dehydration and saving lives.
The day began with a health awareness walkathon organised by KIMS and IAP Khurda. The walkathon, flagged off from the main gate of KIMS and culminating at Sikharchandi Square, drew participation from over 90 doctors, postgraduate students, and healthcare professionals. The enthusiastic participants promoted the message of hydration awareness, holding placards and chanting the slogan: “SIP SMART, STAY STRONG, SAY YES TO ORS.”
The walk aimed to spread awareness about how ORS, a simple and accessible remedy, can effectively prevent life-threatening complications arising from dehydration, diarrhoea, sunstroke, cholera, and other related illnesses.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sebaranjan Biswal, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, KIMS, described ORS as a powerful tool in both treating and preventing dehydration. He emphasised that diarrhoea is a major contributor to infant mortality in India, particularly in Odisha, and that the use of ORS could drastically reduce such preventable deaths.
Later in the day, the Wellness Centre of KISS-DU hosted a formal ORS Day celebration at KISS, focusing on community health and the importance of hydration, especially among children. It was attended by Prof. Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of KISS-DU; Prof. Namita Mohanty, Chairperson of the Wellness Centre; and others.
Dr Mohakud highlighted the scientific basis of ORS, explaining how the body loses sodium and potassium during episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea, and how ORS helps restore balance. He noted that before India’s independence, deaths due to gastrointestinal illnesses were common, but the availability of ORS has dramatically improved survival outcomes. He also advocated the use of natural alternatives such as coconut water and carrot soup in the absence of standard ORS.
Prof. Swarnalata Das, Department of Paediatrics at KIMS, stressed the importance of preparing ORS with boiled water to ensure safety and recommended its use even in cases of food poisoning. Prof. Biswal, echoing his earlier remarks from the walkathon, reminded attendees that ORS does not need to be consumed daily, but should be used responsibly during episodes of fluid loss.
