Health Initiatives

Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University’s hospital plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to large number of tribal students, focusing on accessible, round-the-clock healthcare, disease prevention, and health education. It supports the well-being of students, primarily from marginalized communities, who reside on campus. The hospital’s structure, staffing, and operational approach reflect KISS-DU’s commitment to holistic health through preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.

Healthcare Infrastructure and Accessibility

KISS Hospital is a 100-bed facility staffed by a team of dedicated doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and health attendants, providing continuous care and treatment. Strategically located on campus, this hospital functions as a central medical hub where students receive high-quality care without the need to travel outside the university. The proximity of healthcare services allows students, especially younger children and adolescents, to access medical assistance quickly, promoting timely intervention for various health conditions.

Round-the-Clock Health Monitoring and Immediate Care

Health monitoring is a cornerstone of KISS Hospital’s operations, involving a close watch on students’ health conditions within their dormitories. Room monitors and health attendants are trained to observe and detect early signs of illness or injury among the children and report these findings to the hospital. This two-tier system of health monitoring ensures that even minor ailments are promptly identified and addressed, thus preventing the escalation of symptoms and reducing the potential for complications.

The staff makes routine rounds (twice a day), assessing students’ general health and identifying those in need of medical attention. Once a child is identified as being unwell, they are brought to the KISS hospital, where they receive initial treatment. If the condition requires advanced care, they are immediately referred to the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), a 2,600-bed multispecialty medical college affiliated with KISS Deemed to be University. This seamless referral system ensures that students receive the most appropriate level of care, regardless of the complexity of their medical needs.

Comprehensive Treatment Services

KISS Hospital provides both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services to treat a wide range of health conditions, from minor ailments to more serious illnesses requiring extended care. Common cases treated at the hospital include infections, injuries, respiratory issues, digestive disorders, and chronic illnesses requiring ongoing management. The hospital is equipped with basic diagnostic facilities, and a multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure that each child’s health concerns are adequately addressed.

In addition to immediate treatment for acute health issues, KISS Hospital emphasizes long-term health management for students with chronic conditions. By maintaining detailed health records for each student, the hospital’s healthcare providers can monitor treatment progress, manage medications, and adjust care plans as needed. The hospital also serves as a training ground, exposing medical staff to the unique healthcare needs of tribal and rural populations and thereby enhancing the culturally sensitive care that students receive.

Preventive Health Programs

Preventive health is a primary focus at KISS Hospital. Staff members work proactively to reduce the incidence of common illnesses and preventable diseases. As KISS Deemed to be University is a residential campus, primary importance is given to preventing the spread of contagious diseases.

The hospital conducts regular immunization drives for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), hepatitis, and chickenpox to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the hospital provides vaccinations as part of routine healthcare services, ensuring that all students are protected against preventable diseases. Additionally, the health staff educates students on essential preventive practices, such as regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and avoiding close contact during outbreaks.

Health Awareness and Education

A key component of the hospital’s role is promoting health awareness and preventive care practices among students. KISS Hospital organizes regular health awareness programs to educate students about personal hygiene, nutrition, and common health risks. By instilling health-conscious practices, the hospital empowers students to take an active role in maintaining their own health and well-being.

These programs cover a range of topics, including menstrual hygiene, personal cleanliness, skin care, and the importance of regular bathing and dental care. Awareness campaigns also extend to the dangers of consuming roadside foods, as these can be a source of contamination and food borne illnesses. Students are taught how to maintain clean and healthy living environments, which helps to reduce the prevalence of infections within the hostels.

The hospital staff also addresses adolescent health issues, helping students understand the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. The presence of a sanitary napkin production unit within the facility provides essential resources to over 6,000 menstruating girls, contributing to improved menstrual hygiene management and reducing the risk of related health issues.

Nutritional Supplementation

Given that many of the students come from tribal backgrounds where malnutrition and anemia are common, KISS Hospital places a significant emphasis on nutritional supplementation. The hospital staff works in tandem with the university’s nutritional services to ensure that students receive well-balanced meals. For those found to be at risk of malnutrition or with conditions such as anemia, the hospital provides additional nutritional support, including iron and vitamin supplements. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, the hospital helps to improve the overall health and learning potential of the students.

The hospital also monitors the students’ nutritional status through regular health check-ups, which allow for the early detection and management of any deficiencies. This proactive approach helps to ensure that students maintain healthy growth and development, contributing to both their physical and cognitive well-being.

Community Health and Disease Prevention

KISS Hospital plays an active role in community health by educating students about the prevention of common contagious diseases, such as typhoid, viral hepatitis, scabies, and fungal skin infections. The close living quarters in hostels make students particularly susceptible to these conditions, and the hospital staff is vigilant in implementing measures to prevent and control outbreaks. In the event of an infectious disease case, the hospital isolates the affected individual and closely monitors other students who may have been exposed.

The hospital’s preventive efforts extend to seasonal illnesses and environmental health. For example, during the monsoon season, students are educated about the risks of waterborne diseases and are provided with preventive guidelines to minimize exposure. These measures contribute to a healthier student community and reinforce the students’ understanding of disease prevention.

Basic Life Support Training

To ensure that students are prepared to respond to emergencies, the hospital provides intermittent Basic Life Support (BLS) training sessions. These training sessions are conducted by doctors from KIMS Hospital, who equip students with the skills needed to perform essential lifesaving techniques, such as CPR. BLS training empowers students to assist in emergencies, creating a safer environment and fostering a sense of responsibility and preparedness among the student body.

Referral System and Advanced Care Access

For cases that require specialized treatment beyond the hospital’s capabilities, KISS Hospital refers students to KIMS, a 2,600-bed multispecialty hospital affiliated with the university. This referral system ensures that students have access to advanced medical facilities, including diagnostic imaging, surgical services, and subspecialty care. The collaboration with KIMS expands the range of healthcare services available to students and ensures continuity of care when complex treatments are needed.

KIMS also serves as a tertiary care center for KISS students, providing a safety net for those with serious or chronic conditions that demand specialized expertise. The partnership with KIMS reflects KISS University’s commitment to comprehensive health support, ensuring that students’ healthcare needs are fully met.

Adolescent Health Care for Girls by KISS Hospital

KISS Hospital is deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of adolescent girls, recognizing the unique challenges they face during this transformative stage of life. With over 6,000 adolescent girls residing on campus, the hospital prioritizes menstrual hygiene management, nutrition, mental health, and preventive healthcare. KISS Hospital has established a sanitary napkin unit that provides free access to menstrual products, ensuring that girls can manage their menstrual cycles with dignity and in hygienic conditions. Health education sessions are regularly conducted to foster a better understanding of reproductive health, menstrual management, personal hygiene, and nutrition. These sessions empower the girls with knowledge and skills essential to their physical and mental well-being, including guidance on nutritious eating to address common issues like anemia, and practices to prevent communicable diseases. The hospital also places a strong emphasis on psychological support, with trained staff available for counseling to help girls navigate challenges related to peer pressure, academic stress, and emotional health.

KISS Hospital as a Satellite Center for KIDS (Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences)

In addition to its healthcare services, KISS Hospital serves as a dedicated satellite center for KIDS (Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences), providing specialized dental care to KISS students and residents in nearby communities. Through this partnership, KISS Hospital facilitates access to dental screenings, preventive dental care, and treatment options for various oral health issues. Regular dental check-up camps are organized, where KIDS dental professionals address issues like cavities, gum diseases, and educate students on oral hygiene practices. This arrangement not only expands the healthcare services available to students but also offers hands-on training for KIDS dental students in community dentistry. By acting as a satellite center for KIDS, KISS Hospital ensures that students receive comprehensive healthcare, covering both medical and dental needs, while fostering greater awareness of the importance of oral health in overall well-being.

Conclusion

The KISS Hospital plays an indispensable role in the lives of students at KISS University, offering round-the-clock healthcare and promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being. From preventive health education and immunization programs to nutritional supplementation and emergency care, the hospital’s comprehensive services address the unique needs of the student population. By maintaining a proactive approach to health monitoring, disease prevention, and community health, KISS Hospital upholds the university’s commitment to fostering a healthy, resilient, and empowered student community.

In partnership with KIMS, KISS Hospital ensures that students receive high-quality medical care and support, contributing to their overall development and academic success. Through these efforts, the hospital not only safeguards the health of KISS students but also instills valuable health practices that will benefit them throughout their lives.