Youth Wellness Clinic “Tarunya” Launches at KIMS in Bhubaneswar

A new youth wellness clinic named Tarunya has been inaugurated at the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Bhubaneswar. The clinic, which caters specifically to adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, aims to provide a comprehensive health facility that addresses the unique needs of young people during a vulnerable stage of their lives.

Prof. Dr. R.C. Das, Principal and Dean of KIMS, officially opened the clinic within the Paediatrics department, marking a significant step towards improving adolescent healthcare in India. Tarunya positions itself as one of the first clinics of its kind in the country, bringing together specialists from various fields, including Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Community Medicine.

The clinic is led by Dr. Swarnalata Das, a professor in Paediatrics, who emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment. Adolescents often face stigma when seeking help, making it crucial for Tarunya to provide a confidential space where they can address their concerns without fear.

Tarunya offers a range of services designed to support holistic well-being. These include guidance on growth and puberty, menstrual health and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), nutritional counselling, and support for issues such as stress, anxiety, and exam pressures. The clinic also addresses relationship challenges, substance use, sexual and reproductive health education, and age-appropriate vaccinations.

In response to emerging issues, Tarunya plans to extend its services to include support for parental conflict and the effects of social media overuse and digital addiction. The clinic aims to reach at least 5,000 adolescents in its first year and aspires to establish a model framework for holistic adolescent healthcare.

Tarunya will operate every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, focusing not only on treatment but also on prevention. The clinic intends to host health awareness programmes that promote safe media use, healthy lifestyles, and assertive communication skills in schools, colleges, and community settings.

By addressing the complex health needs of adolescents, Tarunya represents a significant initiative in the field of youth wellness in India, aiming to foster a generation that is informed, healthy, and empowered.