The Kalinga Gastroenterology Foundation is a charitable educational Trust dedicated to the cause of advancing Gastroenterology and allied sciences especially in the state of Orissa. The Foundation was started in 1995.One of its major goal is to establish a highly developed center for diagnoses and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in this part of the country which would cater to patients not only from this state but also from other parts of the country. In addition to developing such a center, it is also our endeavour to educate the lay public about different aspects of gastrointestinal diseases they ought to know – so that they are aware about the preventive aspects of these diseases on the one hand and can seek appropriate advice and treatment at the right time – on the other hand. Besides, we also take initiative to motivate the ‘media’ to publish suitable educational write-ups. Further, we have published a number of “medical educational brochures” in Oriya, English, Urdu and Bengali for public distribution. We also conduct CMEs for the doctors to help them in giving better treatment to their patients with gastrointestinal disorders. We have specially been in the forefront of Hepatitis B Awareness and Vaccination Programmes in Orissa. The Foundation’s achievements in this field include:

   •      We were the first to start School Vaccination Programmes in Orissa in addition to educational lectures in schools.

   •      Conducted Workshops for the Media to educate them about Hepatitis B and involve them in spreading awareness about this disease amongst the lay public.

   •      We run a unique dedicated Hepatitis B Vaccination Center where children are vaccinated for a nominal price.

   •      We have published and distributed thousands of leaflets in Oriya, Urdu and English on the problems of Hepatitis B and the importance of vaccination for Hepatitis B virus.