‘Virtual Autopsy’ conference begins in GMC Anantnag

Anantnag, Jun 22: Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag kick-started a two-day-long conference on ‘virtual autopsy’, a novel way of autopsies. The first-of-its-kind conference in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was conducted by the Department of Forensic Medicine.
The conference was inaugurated by the chief guest DIG South Kashmir Rayees Mohammad Bhat (IPS) in the presence of Principal GMC Anantnag Dr (Prof) Tariq Syed Qureshi, Dr Ash Govind, CEO Virtual Autopsy UK, Dr Hemant Naik, CMO Virtual Autopsy India, Dr (Prof) Showket Jeelani, Dr Yadukal S, Dr (Prof) Sajad Majid Qazi, Dr (Prof) Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, and others.
Dr Azia Manzoor, Head Department of Forensic Medicine and Chief Organiser of the conference gave an overview of the ‘virtual autopsy’. She said a virtual autopsy, also known as ‘Virtopsy’ or virtual post-mortem examination, is a non-invasive method of examining a body using imaging technology instead of traditional physical dissection. It involves capturing detailed images of the body using various imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and sometimes 3D surface scanning. These images are then analyzed and reconstructed digitally to provide a comprehensive view of the body’s internal structures.
Dr Hemant Naik, CMO Virtual Autopsy India said that virtual autopsy is a non-invasive method of examining a body using imaging technology instead of traditional physical dissection. “It involves a series of steps and techniques to capture detailed images of the body and analyze them digitally. Pre-imaging preparation is done like traditional autopsy followed by imaging of the body using CT Scanner, MRI scanner and 3D surface scanner,” he said, adding, “The images are then processed and reconstructed using dedicated software. Imaging interpretation and analysis is done by the forensic experts in coordination with Radiologists and pathologists.”
Dr Yadukal S from AIIMS Hyderabad gave a detailed lecture on radio-anatomy and its medicolegal importance while Dr Manigandraj from Government Medical College Tamil Nadu will talk about natural death, its causes and its forensic evaluation on Friday.
Savita Chavan, CEO Virtual Autopsy of India will give a detailed scientific overview of forensic information system.
Dr Rayees Mohammad Bhat (IPS), DIG South Kashmir said that autopsies always come with new challenges and many times, it becomes difficult to convince family members of the deceased person for undergoing a traditional autopsy. “This is where a virtual autopsy will become useful and can overcome many challenges,” he said, adding that forensic experts, trained autopsy technicians and police officers can make the job more effective and precise.
Dr (Prof) Tariq Syed Qureshi while thanking all the delegates and participants congratulated the organizers for such kind of virtual conference which is the first of its kind in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that GMC Anantnag is regularly conducting ‘Continuous Medical Education (CME) programmes and conferences to remain updated with current knowledge and best medical practices around the world.
Dr Owais H Dar, Media Coordinator GMC Anantnag said more than 200 delegates attended the conference both from Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, particularly from North India. HOD FMT GMC Baramulla, Dr Syed Hina, HOD FMT GMC Kathua Dr Vinka Mani, General Manager JKMSCL, Dr Majid Mirab, Dr Mudasir Khan (HOD Anatomy GMCA), Dr Syed Nawaz (HOD Gyne obs), Dr Saneed Risam, Yaqoob (AO GMC Anantnag), Muzaffar Ahmad (CAO GMC Anantnag among other faculty members, consultants, Medical officers, paramedics and police officials attended the inaugural function and series of lectures.