Priyanshu Mohanty 
Dr. Prakesh Chandra Dalai, a renowned gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and therapeutic endoscopist, stands as a beacon of excellence in Odisha’s medical landscape. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Dalai has tirelessly worked to revolutionize gastroenterology in the region, blending cutting-edge technology with compassionate patient care. His journey, marked by academic brilliance and professional dedication, is an inspiring tale of commitment to medical excellence.
Born and raised with the discipline instilled at Sainik School Bhubaneswar, Dr. Dalai pursued his MBBS at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. He further honed his medical expertise by completing his post-graduation in Medicine at VSS Medical College, Burla. It was during his post-graduation that he met his mentor, Professor Gagan Chandra Mishra, whose profound influence inspired Dr. Dalai to specialize in gastroenterology. Driven by his mentor’s motivation, Dr. Dalai went on to specialize in gastroenterology at the prestigious KEM College, Mumbai. After his specialization, Dr. Dalai gained valuable experience working in Mumbai before joining Seven Hills Hospital, Visakhapatnam, as a consultant for two years. However, his heart lay in serving his home state, and in mid-2004, he moved to Bhubaneswar. Since then, he has been a pillar in the field, providing unparalleled expertise in gastroenterology, hepatology, and therapeutic endoscopy.
One of Dr. Dalai’s significant contributions to Odisha’s healthcare landscape was bringing the first Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to the state, a groundbreaking advancement at the time. As a director of the Institute of Gastro and Kidney Care (IGKC), he has been instrumental in incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative practices, ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of gastroenterological care. Dr. Dalai’s vision for IGKC is deeply inspired by the pioneering work of Professor Nageshwar Reddy, the founder of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad. Dr. Dalai aspires to establish IGKC as a similar center of excellence in Odisha, providing advanced gastroenterological care to patients across the region. The hospital is equipped with the latest advancements in non-surgical therapeutic endoscopy, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The success of IGKC, however, is not a one-man achievement. Dr. Dalai attributes the hospital’s accomplishments to a dedicated team of directors, doctors, and staff who work in unison to ensure the best outcomes for patients. “It is teamwork that makes us successful,” he says, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives the hospital’s operations. Despite the challenges of managing critical cases and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Dalai maintains a healthy work-life balance. He prioritizes serious patients, ensuring they receive empathetic counseling alongside medical care. In his downtime, he enjoys relaxing with friends, which helps him manage the stress of his demanding profession.
Dr. Dalai’s personal life is a testament to his grounded nature. His wife, a professor of gynecology, and his two daughters—one pursuing medical studies and the other at IIT—form the backbone of his unwavering support system. With their encouragement and the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Dr. Dalai has achieved remarkable milestones in his career. Looking ahead, Dr. Dalai envisions IGKC becoming the number one gastroenterology hospital in India. With a team of experienced consultants and young professionals, he is determined to set new benchmarks in healthcare. His message to the youth is simple yet profound: “Be sincere, show empathy, and manage patients with care and dignity.”
Dr. Prakesh Chandra Dalai’s journey is a shining example of how vision, dedication, and teamwork can transform healthcare. As a stalwart in his field, he continues to inspire future generations of doctors to serve with excellence and compassion.
