CME on ‘Law and Psychiatry’ Draws 160 Psychiatrists in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on ‘Law and Psychiatry’ organized by the Department of Psychiatry of Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital brought together around 160 psychiatrists from across Odisha on Saturday. The day-long event focused on preparing mental health professionals to navigate the legal aspects of their practice, particularly in cases where they may be summoned to the courtroom.

The CME, held in collaboration with the Odisha State Branch of the Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS), featured discussions by eminent psychiatrists on a range of topics related to the intersection of law and psychiatry. Speakers addressed key concerns on how psychiatrists should handle legal responsibilities in their professional documentation and court appearances.

Prof. (Dr.) S. Nambi, a prominent psychiatrist from Chennai, led a session on ‘Marriage, Mental Illness and Indian Law,’ while Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Kumar delved into ‘Psychiatrists in the Court Room,’ offering insights on courtroom experiences for mental health professionals. Prof. (Dr.) C. Laxmi Narayan from Gaya discussed the intricacies of ‘Certification in Psychiatry,’ another critical area in medico-legal matters.

Panel discussions during the CME included contributions from Prof. (Dr.) Ivan S. Netto, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at B.J. Government Medical College, and Prof. (Dr.) Srinivas Singisetti, covering various legal implications of psychiatric practice.

In his address, Prof. (Dr.) Rajani Kanta Shukla, President of the Odisha branch of IPS, emphasized the importance of legal awareness among psychiatrists, noting that anything written by doctors can have medico-legal consequences. Prof. Prabir Kumar Pattnaik, Senior Professor at the SOA National Institute of Law, spoke on the ‘Interlink between Law and Psychiatry,’ highlighting the need for interdisciplinary knowledge in the field.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, who underscored the importance of such programs in enhancing doctors’ understanding of legal issues. “Medical practitioners are often weak in legal aspects, and this CME will go a long way in augmenting their knowledge,” she remarked.

Other key figures in attendance included Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Surjeet Sahoo, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Prof. (Dr.) Subhendu Narayan Mishra, Vice-President of the Odisha IPS branch, and Dr. Debadatta Mohapatra, General Secretary of the Odisha IPS branch.