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Bhubaneswar: Dr. Manisha R Gaikwad, the Head of Department of Anatomy at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, highlighted the Perinatal clinic's significant role in providing comprehensive genetic counseling to parents of infants with Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. The clinic, which convenes every Tuesday, brings together experts from various fields including Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Neonatology, Psychiatry, and Anatomy. Dr. Gaikwad also mentioned the cytogenetic laboratory at the institute, which aids in the detection of common chromosomal anomalies like Down syndrome through Karyotyping. She shared this information during an outreach program conducted by the Department of Anatomy in collaboration with the Perinatal clinic at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, along with the Institute of Health Sciences (Autonomous), Chandaka, Bhubaneswar. The sensitization program, focusing on the features of Down syndrome and approaches to other common genetic disorders, received enthusiastic participation from delegates at IHS, Bhubaneswar. Down syndrome, the most common Trisomy in India with a prevalence of 1 in 830 births, manifests with distinctive features including a flat facial profile, upward slanting eyes, simian crease, sandal gap, repeated respiratory infections, and congenital heart disease, contributing to intellectual disability as discussed by experts during the event. Highlighting the correlation between increased maternal age and the rising incidence of Down syndrome, the dignitaries stressed the importance of raising awareness among both the public and medical professionals for timely detection and appropriate intervention. 

Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, the Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, underscored the necessity of organizing such outreach programs to shed light on Down syndrome and other genetic disorders, commending the initiative. Prof. Satya Narayan Mohapatra, the Director of IHS, emphasized the importance of a patient-centric approach in providing therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy for common genetic disorders, advocating for a shift in societal stereotypes and continuous management encompassing identification, prevention, and lifelong care. Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy from AIIMS BBSR and Dr. Ramya Maitreyee, Dr. Bhawani Sankar Padhy from IHS also attended the event.