SRINAGAR: Department of Paediatrics at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar hosted a national-level conference on paediatric gastroenterology on Saturday. It highlighted transformative advancements in treating complex gastrointestinal conditions in children.
The event, titled PEDGASTROCON, brought together eminent specialists from across India, including top paediatric gastroenterologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals, who shared cutting-edge insights and discussed best practices in managing gastrointestinal disorders in young patients.
Keynote speakers addressed a wide range of critical topics, focusing on advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic techniques. Dr Ujal Poddar, a leading paediatric gastroenterologist from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute (SGPGI), Lucknow, delivered a keynote presentation on gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Dr Poddar, renowned for his pioneering work in paediatric gastroenterology, showcased innovative endoscopic methods that enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes.
Prof Seema Alam, Head of Paediatric Hepatology at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi, provided valuable insights into the latest approaches to diagnosing and managing chronic liver diseases in paediatric patients. Prof Anupam Sibal, Medical Director of the Apollo Group and Head of Paediatric Gastroenterology at Apollo Delhi, shared expertise on neonatal cholestasis, addressing the condition’s unique challenges and potential treatment approaches.
Other notable speakers included Prof Abdus Sami, who spoke on managing corrosive poisoning in children, and Dr Isaac Malik, who presented recent advancements in acute liver failure management.
The conference not only underscored the importance of specialised care in paediatric gastroenterology but also emphasised the need for continuous research and collaboration. Prof Muzaffar Jan, Head of the Department of Paediatrics at GMC Srinagar, praised the conference as a successful knowledge-sharing platform, fostering a spirit of enthusiasm and innovation among paediatricians. He expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors, recognising their contributions to the event’s success.
Prof Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar, highlighted the institution’s recent achievements in establishing dedicated paediatric subspecialties, such as paediatric surgery, to meet the growing need for targeted, expert care in the region. She emphasised that these developments are essential for addressing the complex health needs of paediatric patients, marking a significant milestone for GMC Srinagar in fulfilling its long-standing goals in paediatric healthcare.
PEDGASTROCON provided attendees with valuable networking opportunities, creating potential for future research partnerships and clinical collaborations, which could drive continued progress in paediatric gastroenterology.
