AIIMS Raipur and Sambalpur University Sign MoU to Tackle Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu) and Regional Health Challenges
Abhinesh Pandey 
Raipur.
In a major step toward strengthening public health services and the research ecosystem in Central India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, and Sambalpur University, Odisha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. This strategic partnership aims to foster joint clinical research, expand healthcare capacity, and develop innovative solutions in the fields of public health and medical sciences across both Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The core focus of this inter-institutional collaboration will be on Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) and Sickle Cell disease—two prevailing health challenges in the region. Dr. Ishwar Baitharu, Deputy Registrar (Academics) at Sambalpur University, noted that several districts in Odisha have reported an unusual surge in CKD cases, with symptoms mirroring those found in CKDu-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. Given these similarities, a coordinated and joint research framework was deemed essential to analyze and address the root causes in both states.
Highlighting the significance of the agreement, Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd.), Executive Director of AIIMS Raipur, stated that the partnership extends beyond publishing academic papers to converting research outcomes into actionable health strategies and public policy. He added that the scope of this collaboration will eventually expand to cover other regional health issues, including Sickle Cell disease, ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare solutions tailored to local needs.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and researchers from both institutions. AIIMS Raipur was represented by Dr. Eli Mohapatra, Dean (Academics); Dr. Ekta Khandelwal, Associate Dean (Research); Dr. Pugazhenthan Thangaraju; Dr. Virat Gahlotrah; Dr. Suprava Patel; Dr. Vinay Rathore; and Dr. Neelam Devi Maravi. Sambalpur University was represented by Deputy Registrar Dr. Ishwar Baitharu alongside research scholars Mr. Pralaya Biswas and Mr. Sawan Kumar Sahoo.
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