Hands-on Workshop on Ostomy Care was organized as a meaningful Academia–Industry collaboration with Coloplast India, with the goal of strengthening both the technical competencies and the humane caregiving skills required for quality stoma management. The program created a practical learning space where health professionals could build confidence, refine skills, and deepen their patient-centered approach.

The sessions focused on essential clinical competencies such as stoma assessment, correct appliance selection and fitting, peristomal skin care, early identification of complications, infection prevention, and patient education for self-care. Alongside technical training, strong emphasis was placed on humane dimensions of care  such as  empathy, respectful communication, dignity, psychological support, and cultural sensitivity while working with patients living with a stoma as Dr Elsa Sanatombi Devi the center coordinator acknowledged.

The Chief Guest, Dr Prasad, Associate Dean and Professor & Head of Surgery at KMC Manipal, highlighted that compassionate, humane care must remain at the heart of all wound and stoma services. He encouraged the Centre of Excellence in Interprofessional Advanced Wound Care to initiate regular training programs, including colorectal wound care, and to extend services to the community. He underscored that collaboration and interprofessional teamwork are the strongest pathways to meaningful service to society.

Dr Judith A Noronha, Dean of Manipal College of Nursing, emphasized the value of sustained collaborative workshops and described the Centre as a unique platform that actively connects learners and patients through practice-based engagement.

Dr Jyothi Chakrabarty appreciated the Centre’s collaborative work with industry and hospitals, noting that the team’s commitment and energy are truly commendable. She shared that the department will further strengthen involvement of master’s students and Nurse Practitioners to build a more sustainable and impact-driven care model.

With expert demonstrations, guided skill stations, and product-based training, participants experienced real-time, hands-on learning. A total of 37 participants actively engaged in the workshop, gaining practical skills and renewed motivation. The program reinforced that excellence in ostomy care comes from blending clinical expertise with compassion and interprofessional collaboration.

Ostomy care connects closely with SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 17 by focusing not just on treatment, but on people, learning, and partnership.