GMC Srinagar hosts cutting-edge Hernia Summit 2024, uniting India's top surgeons

Srinagar, July 12: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar hosted the highly anticipated Hernia Summit 2024, a two-day event that brought together leading surgical experts and aspiring medical professionals across India.

Organised by the Postgraduate Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery at GMC Srinagar in collaboration with the Hernia Society of India, the summit took place on Friday, focusing on advanced hernia repair techniques and cutting-edge academic discussions.

The inauguration ceremony, held on July 12 in the GMC Srinagar auditorium, was graced by several distinguished guests. Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary of Health & Medical Education, served as the Chief Guest.

Dr Abid Rasheed said "I want to express my deepest appreciation to our medical fraternity for their unwavering commitment to delivering world-class patient care. Your dedication is the backbone of our healthcare system, and it's truly commendable."

"Looking ahead, I'm pleased to announce our plans for completing a new theatre block, which will significantly enhance our surgical capabilities. Furthermore, we are set to introduce robotic surgery in the department, keeping us at the forefront of medical technology and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients."

"However, our vision extends beyond infrastructure. We recognize the critical importance of research and innovation in advancing healthcare. To this end, we are committed to allocating a substantial portion of our budget towards research initiatives in our tertiary care institutes. This investment in knowledge creation is vital for our continued progress and for maintaining our competitive edge in the medical field."

He said "I'm proud to highlight the remarkable expansion of medical education in our region. We've grown from having just two medical colleges in Jammu and Srinagar to now boasting ten government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. This growth not only increases our capacity to train medical professionals but also enhances healthcare accessibility for our citizens."

"Our peripheral healthcare system has received a significant boost, and it's imperative that we fully utilize these new opportunities to benefit our patients. The government's core focus areas in healthcare development are clear: research, innovation, knowledge building, and capacity training. These pillars will support our ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of healthcare in our region."

"As we move forward, let us remember that our ultimate goal is to serve our patients better. Every advancement we make, every innovation we introduce, and every new professional we train contributes to this noble cause. Together, we are building a healthcare system that not only meets the needs of today but is also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow."

Under the leadership of organising, Chairman Prof. Dr Iqbal Saleem Mir, Head of the Department of Minimal Access & General Surgery, and Organising Secretary Prof Dr MR Attri, the conference proved to be a grand success.

The event commenced with a live operative workshop on the first day, where nine eminent surgeons from across the country, including faculty from GMC Srinagar, demonstrated their exceptional skills by performing complex hernia repair surgeries.

Dr Iqbal Saleem Mir said "The core vision behind organizing this summit is to showcase the full spectrum of hernia operations, bridging the expertise from both national centers and our local institutions here in Srinagar. We're not just demonstrating techniques; we're opening a window into the diverse approaches to hernia repair that are currently being employed across India.

"It's crucial to understand the scale of the issue we're addressing. Hernias affect a staggering 16% of our population, and what's even more alarming is that 10% of these cases present as emergencies. These statistics underscore the critical nature of our work and the importance of this summit."

"Our goal is twofold: first, to ensure that these patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment, and second, to familiarize our medical community with the latest advancements in hernia repair. By demonstrating the cutting-edge gadgets and techniques used in modern hernia surgery, we're not just sharing knowledge – we're potentially saving lives."

These live surgeries were broadcast directly from two operation theatres at GMC Srinagar to an audience in the college auditorium. Additionally, the procedures were streamed on YouTube, allowing a wider audience to benefit from the insights and techniques demonstrated by the experts. This innovative approach to medical education provided an invaluable learning opportunity for surgeons and medical students alike.

Padmashree Dr Pradeep Chowbey, the Guest of Honor, expressed admiration for the quality of work being done in the department of surgery at GMC Srinagar. He showed keen interest in training budding surgeons in the field of robotic surgery, further underlining the potential for advanced surgical techniques in the region.

The summit also saw the presence of Dr Vijay Borgaonkar, President of the Hernia Society of India, who in his speech designated the Department of Minimal Access & General Surgery at GMC Srinagar as a "Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery." This recognition highlights the department's commitment to excellence and its growing reputation in the field of hernia surgery.

Other notable attendees included Dr Sarfaraz Baig, Secretary of the Hernia Society of India, and Prof. Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar, further emphasising the significance of the event in the medical community.

The second day of the summit was dedicated to academic excellence, featuring an array of speakers from various parts of the country and distinguished faculty from within the Union Territory. These experts delivered comprehensive talks on diverse topics related to surgery, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and updates in the field.