Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida Sunday called for the coordinated integration of occupational therapy services across three key departments — Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Women and Child Development, and Health.
She also stressed the need to strengthen mental health services by incorporating occupational therapy into related programmes and service delivery.
Parida was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the first state conference of occupational therapists of Odisha, OOTCON 2026, held at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar.
The conference brought together healthcare professionals, academicians and students to deliberate on advancements in rehabilitation and the expanding role of occupational therapy in healthcare.
Organised by the Odisha Branch of the All-India Occupational Therapists Association (OBAIOTA), affiliated with the national body, the conference was held at the AIIMS Main Auditorium under the theme ‘Restore, Rehabilitate and Reconnect: Occupational Therapy Enabling Life Beyond Limitations’.
Subhashis Mohanty, Additional Director, Public Health, and Sangita Behera, Additional Director General-cum-State Project Director of the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), attended the event as guests of honour.
The dignitaries also inaugurated a scientific poster presentation, providing students and professionals an opportunity to showcase their research, academic work, innovative practices and evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation.
A key focus of the conference was strengthening occupational therapy services across the state, with particular emphasis on professional development, rehabilitation infrastructure and improved access to services for persons with disabilities.
Scientific sessions and deliberations covered various areas, including neurological and psychiatric rehabilitation and palliative care.
The conference also facilitated knowledge exchange, research presentations and discussions on emerging rehabilitation technologies.
Organising Secretary Debashis Panda (OT) expressed gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister, guests of honour, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, participating institutions, sponsors, faculty members, delegates and students for their support and cooperation.
