AIIMS Bhubaneswar Hosts National Conclave on In-Travel Medical Facilities

Bhubaneswar, Oct 11: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), hosted the 2nd National Conclave on Travel Health Clinics (THCs), focusing on strengthening India’s in-travel medical infrastructure.

The conclave served as a vital national platform to deliberate on integrating Travel Health Clinics into the mainstream public health system. Representatives from multiple ministries — including Health & Family Welfare, External Affairs, and Defence — joined experts from 16 AIIMS institutions and various State Medical Colleges to discuss strategies for improving medical support for travellers.

Addressing the event, Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, highlighted the Centre’s emphasis on establishing THCs across the country through inter-ministerial coordination. “Travel Health is emerging as a critical component of public health, especially in an increasingly mobile global population,” he noted.

Dr. S. Senthilnathan, Deputy Director General (Public Health – International Health) at the Union Health Ministry, discussed the feasibility of providing in-travel medical care, suggesting that even in the absence of doctors onboard, trained staff could effectively handle minor health emergencies during travel.

The conclave featured expert sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, emphasizing the need for a robust, policy-driven, and research-backed framework for Travel Health in India.

With the growing movement of people across states and borders, experts at the conclave underscored the importance of preparedness and preventive healthcare for travellers — positioning Travel Health Clinics as a crucial element in safeguarding public health and ensuring medical support during travel.