Bhubaneswar :  The Conference of Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOACON 2009) was inaugurated by the Chief Minister  Naveen Patnaik  in presence of Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT Group of Institutions, Prof. K. Balaveera Reddy, Pro Chancellor, KIIT, Prof. (Dr.) P. Tejeswar Rao, Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr. N. K. Pradhan, Organizing Secretary, Dr. Sanjay Das, President, OOA, Dr. Ashok Johari, President Elect to IOA, Dr. M. Shantaram Shetty, President, IOA and Dr. Sudhir K. Kapoor, Secretary, IOA at KIIT University on 24th November, 2009 and other important dignitaries. Orissa is hosting this prestigious conference after a gap of 23 years, last time it was held in 1986 at Cuttack.   

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik expressed his sincere gratitude to the Indian Orthopaedic Association for choosing Sate of Orissa for this reputed conference. This conference provides a platform for the young orthopedic surgeons to exchange scientific information and discuss the emerging issues. It will contribute to the current knowledge of the practicing surgeons, he said, adding that it will benefit a lot of people from across the country. He lauded the conference theme - Disability Free Society, stating that it is an important priority of our time.

He also expressed his appreciations for Dr. Samanta, Founder, KIIT and KISS for hosting this mega event.

 Welcomed the guests and delegates, Dr. Samanta said it is a matter of pride for KIIT to host a conference of this stature. He expressed confidence that the conference will be a grand success, adding that KIIT has made all arrangements to ensure this. The Conference will help to create world wide awareness on theme Disability Free Society, Dr. Samanta hoped.

 The central theme of this year’s conference, which will conclude on 29th November, is ‘Disability Free Society’. Dimensions of physical disability in India have been well recognized. Developmental defects, nutritional and metabolic diseases, infection of bone and joints and bone tumors have emerged as major problems. Manmade disasters such as road accidents and poly trauma pose a serious threat for life and limbs in young persons and earning members of the family. Further, geriatric population needs special care for the degenerative joint disorder. These issues and challenges form the backdrop of 54th Annual Conference of Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOACON 2009).

 About 5000 delegates of national and international repute including president of Orthopaedic Association of Australia, U. K., USA, Germany, Italy, Sri Lanka, Dubai, etc are participating in this conference. Experienced and skilled surgeons will demonstrate modern techniques of high tech surgery in 12 workshops in different medical colleges. The conference also features exhibits on new molecules, implants, instruments, diagnostic aids, orthotics and prosthetics by 42 pharmaceutical and 18 surgical manufactures.

 This conference is one of the largest gathering of medical professionals and experts in the field of orthopedics. It is likely to benefit medical professionals in Orissa with knowledge sharing on the latest advancements to alleviate the suffering. This event is also uniquely poised to present the opportunity of rediscovering Orissa and redefining its rich cultural heritage.