Dr. Archana Barik, a Senior Chief Medical Officer at ESIC Hospital in Rourkela, Odisha, has etched her name in the annals of occupational health history. As the first doctor from Odisha to be inducted into the prestigious International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), Dr. Barik's achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication and expertise in the field.
ICOH, a globally renowned scientific society working in close association with WHO, UN, and ILO, is at the forefront of advancing occupational health. Dr. Barik's membership is a reflection of her profound commitment to this vital field.
This accomplishment is a culmination of Dr. Barik's relentless pursuit of knowledge and her passion for community service. Her academic journey, starting with an MBBS from SCB Medical College, has been marked by continuous learning and specialization, including Hospital Management from NIHFW, a Post Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine from CMC Vellore, and currently, a Master's in Public Health from ICMR RMRC Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Barik's contributions to public health in Odisha are significant and far-reaching. She played a pivotal role as Chief Coordinator for the Sundergarh Collector during the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading the launch of Rourkela's first-ever telemedicine services.
Her commitment to accessible healthcare is evident in her work with the Rourkela Municipal Corporation, where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance healthcare services at Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHCs) and expand outreach programs, making healthcare more accessible to the community.
Dr. Barik attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her husband, Sandeep Bansal, DGM Vigilance at RSP, SAIL, and their daughter. She also acknowledges the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Srikant Kanungo and Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, Director of ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, whose leadership and passion have been a source of inspiration. Her journey with ESIC, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has been particularly instrumental in shaping her perspective on occupational health. It provided her with firsthand exposure to the working hazards faced by labourers, labour laws, policies, and good practices, further solidifying her commitment to Occupational Safety and Health.
Dr. Barik's story is an inspiration – a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and a deep-seated commitment to serving the community. Her journey from Rourkela to the international stage is a beacon for aspiring healthcare professionals, demonstrating the impact one individual can have on a local and global scale.
