World Plastic Surgery Day observed at RIMS
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 15 2025: Department of Plastic Surgery, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, observed World Plastic Surgery Day on Tuesday on the theme 'Restore life after burns'.

The observance function held at the RIMS General OPD complex highlighted the transformative impact of plastic and reconstructive surgeries in restoring form and function, especially for burn survivors.

RIMS director professor G Sunil Kumar Sharma attended the event as chief guest, while medical superintendent professor N Sanjib Singh was functional president and former head of department of plastic surgery professor G Nilamani Sharma as guest of honour.

World Plastic Surgery Day observed at RIMS

Shija Hospitals chairman-cum-managing director Dr Khundongbam Palin and Rotary Club of Imphal president Dr Thingujam Digel Singh also attended the event.

Speaking at the event, professor Sunil Kumar highlighted the vital role of plastic surgery beyond aesthetics focusing on reconstruction, restoration and rehabilitation.

While acknowledging the presence of three eminent plastic surgeons at the event, he praised the dedicated efforts of the plastic surgery department, RIMS in managing trauma, burns and cancer cases.

In his speech, RIMS plastic surgery department head professor Dr Akoijam Ibohal said that the term plastic in plastic surgery actually came from the Greek word 'Plas-tikos', meaning to mould or give form to tissues of human body.

Stating that July 15 is being observed as 'Plastic Surgery Day' every year, he also informed that India is considered the first country in the world to conduct plastic surgery treatment successfully.

Plastic surgery in the country dates back to the ancient period and it is well documented in Sushruta Samhita in 600BC.In recognition to India's contribution to plastic surgery, National Plastic Day observance in the country was rechristened World Plastic Surgery Day on July 15 from the year 2021, he added.

According to Dr Ibohal, plastic surgery started at RIMS from the year 1982 with the plastic surgery unit attached to surgery department and became a full-fledged department from the year 1990.He said that both RIMS and Shija hospitals now provide full plastic surgery service to the people of the state.

Meanwhile, Dr Palin highlighted the vital role of plastic surgery beyond cosmetics, in trauma, burns, deformities and cancer reconstruction.

He praised RIMS team's dedicated service and urged continued focus on awareness, innovation and training in reconstructive care.

As part of the event, assertive aids were distributed to patients suffering from post-burn deformities, under an initiative supported by the Rotary Club of Imphal.