Sakeena Itoo inaugurates 1st Annual Int’l Conference on Diabetes in Elderly – MMFDIACON 2025

Srinagar, Aug 30: Marking one year of its commitment to holistic healthcare for ageing parents by Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), Department of Endocrinology, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA) MMF, successfully organised the 1st Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference – MMFDIACON 2025 on the theme 'Diabetes and Its Complications in the Elderly' at the GMC Srinagar Auditorium.

The conference was inaugurated by Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, who lauded GMC Srinagar for addressing a vital public health issue. In her address, she highlighted the importance of healthy ageing, warning that diabetes is rising not only among the elderly but also the young. She called for a multipronged strategy—lifestyle changes, diet, and regular physical activity—to combat the disease. She also commended doctors and paramedics for their service during recent cloudbursts, landslides, and floods in Jammu and Kashmir. The inaugural session also witnessed the release of the Moul Mouj Foundation’s Impact Report.

Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean, GMC Srinagar, Patron of the conference, highlighted that GMC Srinagar and its associated hospitals remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery in Kashmir, with a special focus on the needs of the elderly population.

Dr. M. Hayat, HoD Endocrinology, GMC Srinagar, underlined the urgency of the conference theme, noting the multiple and complex complications of diabetes witnessed among elderly patients, which necessitate interdisciplinary discussion and intervention.

Dr. Zubair Saleem, Senior Consultant Geriatrics and Academic Convenor, CISA, reaffirmed that CISA and MMF are committed not only to the treatment of ageing parents in Kashmir but also to advancing academic research and policy dialogue in geriatrics.

Dr. Mir Shahnawaz, Consultant Endocrinology, underscored the need to study and address the unique complications of diabetes in elderly patients, particularly those that affect their quality of life and independence.

The scientific sessions included leading voices from India and abroad. Dr John Ebnezar, Padmashri, and Dr. B.C. Roy awardee, delivered a virtual lecture on frailty fractures in the elderly with diabetes. Dr. M. A. Mazaid from Egypt spoke virtually on osteoporotic vertebral risks in elderly diabetics, while Dr. Sergio Rowinski from Brazil virtually discussed adhesive capsulitis and its management in diabetics.

National experts presented on a wide range of interdisciplinary topics: Prof. S. M. Salim, HOD SPM, GMC Srinagar, spoke on Epidemiology of T2DM in the Elderly. Dr. Bashir A. Laway (Senior endocrinologist) spoke on Management of Diabetic Sarcopenia. Dr. Tajamul H. Mir HOD Nephrology, GMC Srinagar on Diabetic Nephropathy in the Elderly. Prof. Bashir A. Sanaie HOD Neurology, GMC Srinagar, spoke on Management of Stroke in Elderly Diabetics. Prof. Arshad Hussain (IMHANS-K) on Geriatric Diabetes and Mood Disorders.

Dr. Asif Nazir (Consultant Orthopedics, GMC Srinagar) on Diabetic Foot Challenges in the Elderly. Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Bhat (Consultant Endocrinologist) on Managing High-Risk T2DM inthe Elderly with Multiple Risk Factors. Dr. Wasim Rashid (Consultant Cardiologist, GMC Srinagar) on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Beyond Sugar Control.

The conference also hosted free paper and poster sessions with enthusiastic participation from delegates of GMC Srinagar, SKIMS, JLNM Hospital, and other medical colleges across Kashmir. Awards were presented to the three best posters Dr Zubair A Najar (GMC Handwara) Rs 5,000 (First), Dr Ravi (JLNM Hospital), Rs 3,000 (Second), and Dr Eknath Munday (DH Kulgam) and Dr Tamanna (GMC Srinagar), Rs 2,000 (Third, shared). The best free paper was awarded to Dr Duha Qari (Maternity Hospital SKIMS, Soura) with a token prize of Rs 1,000. The Organising Committee was led by Dr. M. Hayat Bhat, Dr. Mir Shahnawaz (Co-Organising Chairman), Dr. Zubair Saleem (Organising Secretary), Dr. Saleem Baba (Treasurer), and Dr. Abid Hussain (Scientific Secretary).

A unique feature of the event was the felicitation of senior citizens for their contributions to society. Among those honored were governing board members of CISA, representatives of GK Labs for their unwavering support in providing home-based care to MMF, and distinguished doctors, including Dr Farida Ashai, Dr Abdul Wahid, Dr. G.Q. Khan, Dr. Tafazzul Hussain, Dr. Mushtaq Marghoob, Dr. Tajamul Fazili, and Abdul Rashid Malik.

A key highlight of the event was a short film on the role of a father in raising his children, produced and directed by Dr. Tajamul H. Mir. The conference successfully demonstrated the interdisciplinary nature of diabetes care in the elderly, bridging medicine, psychiatry, orthopedics, geriatrics, and public health. With participation from national and international experts, the event reinforced GMC Srinagar’s commitment to leading academic, clinical, and social initiatives for the health and dignity of senior citizens.