Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has stressed the need to make advanced surgical care accessible, affordable and easily available to patients in rural and underserved areas, with efforts to keep treatment costs as low as possible.
Addressing the 36th annual conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology (IASG) in Bhubaneswar on Friday as the chief guest, the Governor said the true measure of excellence in healthcare is not only the development of advanced treatment methods but also how widely their benefits reach people.
He said rapid technological advancements were creating new possibilities in surgical gastroenterology, making equitable access to such advances increasingly important.
Technology and patient-centred care
Describing surgical gastroenterology as an integrated field combining advanced science, modern technology and compassionate patient care, Kambhampati said the speciality deals with complex conditions involving the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and rectum.
Given the complexity of these conditions, he stressed that technical expertise must be complemented by sound clinical decision-making and coordinated planning among specialists.
The Governor also highlighted the evolution of the speciality from extensive open surgeries to laparoscopic, endoscopic, robotic and other minimally invasive procedures. According to him, modern surgery is not limited to treating disease but also focuses on greater precision, preservation of organ function, reducing complications, faster recovery and improving patients’ quality of life.
Advances in imaging, molecular diagnostics, precision oncology and perioperative care are further transforming treatment approaches, he said. He emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, organ transplantation and gastrointestinal oncology.
AI cannot replace human judgment
Kambhampati said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, three-dimensional imaging, image-guided procedures, robotic systems and surgical simulation were helping improve surgical planning, precision, training and patient safety.
However, he stressed that technology can assist surgeons but cannot replace professional judgement, ethics, accountability and humanity in medical care.
He identified extending these modern healthcare facilities beyond major cities as one of the key challenges before the healthcare sector.
Odisha as an emerging healthcare hub
Expressing happiness over Odisha hosting IASGCON-2026, the Governor said Bhubaneswar was emerging as an important centre for healthcare, medical education and research in eastern India.
He also stressed the need for research and effective healthcare models tailored to India’s diverse healthcare requirements.
The conference brought together doctors, researchers and young surgeons from different parts of the country for an exchange of knowledge and experience. Kambhampati urged young surgeons to combine technical expertise with scientific curiosity, critical thinking and a strong sense of ethical responsibility.
He also called for greater institutional collaboration, multidisciplinary research and efforts to translate research findings into everyday patient care.
The Governor congratulated Professor Dr Manas Ranjan Sahu and the organising committee for hosting the conference in Odisha.
During the event, IASG founder-president Professor B.M.L. Kapoor was felicitated. IASG secretary Dr Sujay Pal and president Dr T.D. Yadav also addressed the gathering.
Organising chairman Dr Mohammad Ibrarullah delivered the welcome address, while organising secretary Professor Dr Manas Ranjan Sahu proposed the vote of thanks.
