Our Story: Pioneering Rheumatology Care in Odisha

Odisha Arthritis & Rheumatology Center (OARC) was founded not just as a clinic, but as the answer to a pressing need for specialized, compassionate, and advanced care for patients suffering from arthritis and autoimmune diseases in Eastern India. Our journey is deeply intertwined with the pioneering spirit of our founder, Professor (Dr.) Jyoti Ranjan Parida, a distinguished figure in the field of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology.

The Vision of a Pioneer

The seeds for OARC were sown during Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Parida’s extensive medical training. After completing his MBBS from the prestigious S.C.B. Medical College in Cuttack and his MD in Internal Medicine from M.K.C.G. Medical College, Berhampur, he witnessed firsthand the silent suffering of countless patients. These individuals battled debilitating joint pain, chronic inflammation, and complex autoimmune conditions, often without access to a definitive diagnosis or a specialized treatment plan. The field of Rheumatology was still in its nascent stages in Odisha, and there was a significant gap in dedicated care.
This experience ignited a passion in Dr. Parida to bring world-class rheumatology services to his home state. He pursued this mission with singular focus, securing a place at the epicenter of rheumatology training in India—the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow. There, he completed his DM in Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology.
His academic brilliance was recognized when he was awarded the DM Gold Medal, a landmark achievement that made him the first doctor from Odisha to earn this highest qualification in the field of Rheumatology. This was not just a personal milestone; it was the dawn of a new era for rheumatology patients in the state.

The Foundation of OARC

Armed with unparalleled expertise and a vision to serve, Dr. Parida returned to Odisha and established the Odisha Arthritis & Rheumatology Care (OARC) in Bhubaneswar. The clinic was founded on three core principles:
Expert Diagnosis: To provide an accurate and early diagnosis, which is the most critical step in managing rheumatic diseases effectively.
Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment: To move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and design treatment plans based on the latest international guidelines and tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.
Holistic and Compassionate Care: To treat the person, not just the disease, by offering continuous support, patient education, and a compassionate environment that empowers patients to manage their chronic conditions and live fulfilling lives.
From its inception, OARC was one of the earliest dedicated arthritis clinics in Odisha, quickly establishing itself as a center of excellence. We became a beacon of hope for patients who had previously traveled to metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Vellore in search of specialized care.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Arthritis and Rheumatology Care in Odisha

The journey of OARC is forward-looking, with a vision to expand and enhance rheumatology care across Odisha. The center continues to focus on early diagnosis, personalized care, and long-term joint health. By emphasizing patient education and long-term management strategies, OARC empowers individuals to actively participate in their health and well-being. As the prevalence of arthritis continues to rise, the role of specialized centers like OARC in Bhubaneswar becomes even more crucial in improving the quality of life for millions in Odisha. The center’s commitment to compassionate, expert care at every stage of a patient’s journey aims to relieve pain and enhance overall well-being.