Healthcare / AIIMS Bhubaneswar strengthens cancer diagnostics, secures Rs32.2 crore for research

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: AIIMS Bhubaneswar is intensifying efforts to translate biomedical research into advanced diagnostics and evidence-based patient care, with a special focus on cancer, infectious diseases, microbiome studies, public health and mental health.

The institute is leveraging its growing research infrastructure to make specialised diagnosis and treatment more accessible to patients in Odisha and neighbouring States.

Research Focus

The initiative was highlighted by AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas during the institute's 4th Annual Research Day, organised on the theme, “Innovate, Translate, Heal: Advancing Biomedical Frontiers.”

The institute has established several advanced facilities, including the Infectious Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL), Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Advanced Molecular Oncology Diagnostic Services (DIAMOnDS), and Brain Bank, aimed at strengthening clinical research and reducing the need for patients to travel to distant metropolitan centres for specialised care.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar secured ₹32.2 crore in extramural research grants through 187 projects during 2025-26. In the current financial year (2026-27), it has already received over ₹10 crore through 29 projects. The institution is presently supported by 24 international, national and regional funding agencies, underscoring its expanding research network.

Call for Collaboration

The programme was attended by Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, as Chief Guest, while Dr. Arvind Sinha, Executive Director, AIIMS Kalyani, and Mr. Charudutta Panigrahi, Senior Technocrat, Chairman, Vikash Manthan and Advisor, AHPI, joined as Guests of Honour.

Emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary scientific inquiry, Prof. Karmalkar called for stronger collaboration between IITs and AIIMS institutions. Dr. Sinha highlighted the need for India-specific health research data, noting that the country's unique demographic and healthcare challenges require evidence generated domestically. Mr. Panigrahi stressed the role of medical research in nation-building.

Research Ecosystem

A major attraction of the event was a research poster presentation involving 140 participants, along with a panel discussion on “Breaking Barriers in Medical Research: Hurdles, Innovations and Opportunities.” Experts deliberated on strengthening India's research ecosystem, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, and addressing emerging healthcare challenges.

During the programme, dignitaries released the Annual Research Report 2025-26 and digitally launched AIIMS Bhubaneswar Research Talks. Awards recognising excellence in research, publications, poster presentations and global research achievements were also presented.