Archie Vinitsky Award 2023 Recipient
Dr Harikesh during the IOA Word Congress held in Frankfurt Germany (Photo Credit: Abdo Abi Raad)
Dr. Buch’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals, combined with his exceptional surgical skills, make him a truly outstanding professional in his field.
He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support for ostomates. He actively participates in research, contributing to the development of innovative surgical techniques and the enhancement of postoperative recovery protocols.
Dr. Buch’ exceptional humanitarian efforts extended to the
International Ostomy Association (IOA) at national, regional and international levels exemplify his unwavering respect, understanding, patience, and affection towards his colleagues, regardless of their race, religion, or political affiliation. His remarkable work extends both
regionally and globally, demonstrating his commitment to improving the lives of ostomates worldwide.
As an organizational leader, Dr. Buch holds various significant roles, including:
• President of Ostomates of India at the country level.
• Vice President of the Asian Region of IOA at the regional level.
• President of the Asian Region of IOA at the regional level.
• President of IOA at the international level.
• Vice President of the Asia South Pacific Ostomy Association at the international level.
• Member of the IOA Co-ordination Committee.
Dr. Buch’s project accomplishments include:
• Leading IOA’s involvement in Coloplast’s Access to Healthcare Programme, which aims to provide individuals in developing countries with better access to intimate healthcare, allowing them to lead dignified lives. The initial focus was on projects in China, India, and
Mexico.
• Conducting the International Stoma Care Advocacy Programme (ISCAP) training program for medical healthcare professionals and ostomates in the IOA/ALADO Region of South America.
• Educating colostomy patients on the irrigation process.
• Teaching the principles of the IOA Visiting Programme to both medical professionals and ostomates.
• Conducting awareness and problem-solving visits to several South East Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, The Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.
• Participating in Lions for Stoma Care (LFSC), a service initiated by Prof. Carlo Pezcoller of Modena, Italy, which provides stoma care training to doctors from developing countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Spanish-speaking countries of South & Central America. Dr. Buch,
as a member of the LFSC International Travelling Teaching Team, collaborates with local doctors who have received training to further educate their medical colleagues. This training has been conducted in numerous countries across Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. The training also emphasizes the importance of utilizing rehabilitated ostomy patient visitors in the patient’s rehabilitation process.
Richard B McNair.
IOA Chairman
