Legal aspects of psychiatry explored at SUM Hospital's CME program

Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: Around 160 psychiatrists from across Odisha participated in a day-long Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on 'Law and Psychiatry,' organized by the Department of Psychiatry at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital on Saturday. The event focused on preparing doctors for judicial requirements, especially when summoned to court.

The CME, held in collaboration with the Odisha State Branch of the Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS), featured sessions by five eminent psychiatrists from across the country. Prof. (Dr.) S. Nambi from Chennai spoke on 'Marriage, Mental Illness, and Indian Law,' while Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Kumar discussed 'Psychiatrists in the Courtroom.' Prof. (Dr.) C. Laxmi Narayan from Gaya addressed 'Certification in Psychiatry.' Prof. (Dr.) Ivan S. Netto and Prof. (Dr.) Srinivas Singisetti participated in panel discussions.

Prof. (Dr.) Rajani Kanta Shukla, President of the Odisha branch of IPS, presided over the inaugural session and emphasized the medico-legal implications of doctors' documentation. Prof. Prabir Kumar Pattnaik, Senior Professor at SOA National Institute of Law, spoke on the 'Interlink between Law and Psychiatry.'

The event was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, who highlighted the need for medical practitioners to strengthen their legal knowledge. Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, along with Prof. (Dr.) Surjeet Sahoo, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, and other dignitaries, also addressed the gathering.