Saving Lives on Roads: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Hosts Road Safety Awareness Meet with Media Professionals.

Bhubaneswar:January 23, 2026( Pratyusha Bureau Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar observed Road SafetyAwareness Month by hosting a media interaction at the Press Club, Bhubaneswar, on January 23,2026. The event brought together medical experts, policymakers, emergency responders, andmedia professionals to address Odisha’s growing road safety concern. Despite enforcementmeasures and improved trauma care, road accident fatalities continue to rise in the state. Withan accident severity rate of 49.6 per cent-far higher than the national average of 37 per cent-Odisha has recorded 27,167 deaths and 50,041 injuries in 56,831 road accidents over the pastfive years, as per transport department data.The event commenced with a light warming ceremony graced by the Chief Guest, Shri AmitabhThakur, IPS, Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman, State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha;Dr. Umashankar Dash, IPS, Inspector General, Fire & Emergency Services, Odisha; Dr.Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director – South East, Manipal Hospitals; and Mrs. Kasturi Ray,President, Odisha Women in Media (OWM). The gathering also observed a one-minute silencein condolence to the untimely demise of Bhubaneswar-based senior journalist Ms. SheelaPattnayak, who lost her life in a road accident, leaving behind her 12-year-old son.-Neurology,Speaking at the press meet, Dr. Amit Jaiswal, Director and Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery,highlighted that head and spinal injuries remain a leading cause of death and long-term disabilityin road accidents, emphasizing that consistent helmet use and timely neurosurgical interventioncan significantly reduce fatalities. Dr. Pradyut Ranjan Bhuyan, Consultantemphasized the need for early neurological assessment to prevent long-term complications. Dr.Avishek Chatterjee, HOD & Consultant – Emergency Medicine, stressed the importance of the”golden hour,” noting that prompt on-site care, faster ambulance response, and basic first-aidawareness can save lives. Mrs. Kasturi Ray, President, Odisha Women in Media (OWM),and sustained road safety messaging.underscored the media’s critical role in shaping public behaviour through responsible reportingAddressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Shri Amitabh Thakur, IPS, Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman, State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha, said, “Road Safety Month closely alignswith transport regulation, enforcement, and policy. Stricter compliance, improved infrastructure,in Bhubaneswar.”and active community participation are crucial to curbing the growing number of road accidentsDr. Umashankar Dash, IPS, Inspector General, Fire & Emergency Services, Odisha, highlighted,”Every accident scene demands speed, precision, and preparedness. Strengthening rescuepreventable fatalities on our roads.”infrastructure, regular training of responders and clear response protocols are key to reducing accident on road.