SRINAGAR: Kashmiri gastroenterologist and advanced therapeutic endoscopist Dr Hameed Raina has won the first prize in the Plenary Paper Presentation at ENDOCON 2026, the national conference of the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI), held in New Delhi from August 28 to 30.
Raina was recognised for his research on endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB), a minimally invasive procedure in which liver tissue is obtained under real-time endoscopic ultrasound guidance.
The study compared EUS-guided liver biopsy with conventional percutaneous liver biopsy, examining diagnostic adequacy, tissue quality, safety, adverse events, post-procedure pain and patient satisfaction.
The research found that EUS-guided biopsy can provide adequate tissue for diagnosis while offering a less invasive approach, with potential benefits in terms of patient comfort.
ENDOCON is a national scientific conference focused on gastrointestinal endoscopy and brings together gastroenterologists, hepatologists, endoscopists and researchers from across the country.
Raina, who specialises in advanced therapeutic endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound, has also worked on complex procedures including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), third-space endoscopy, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), submucosal tunnelling endoscopic resection (STER), bariatric endoscopy and endoscopic anti-reflux procedures.
Reacting to the award, Raina said he was proud to represent Kashmir at a national scientific platform and dedicated the recognition to his parents, family, teachers, mentors, colleagues and research team.
“As a Kashmiri, it gives me immense pride to represent Kashmir on such an important national scientific platform,” he said.
He said the recognition should inspire young people from Jammu and Kashmir to pursue careers in medicine, science and research.
“Ultimately, every advancement in medical research should have one destination — the patient. Our goal must always be safer, less invasive and more effective patient care,” Raina said.
The award adds to Raina’s academic and professional recognitions for work in advanced endoscopy and minimally invasive gastrointestinal care.
According to the organisers and information provided by Raina, the ENDOCON award is his latest recognition following earlier international academic achievements.
