KASHMEDCON 2026: Experts discuss latest advances in medicine

Srinagar, Oct 15: Leading medical experts from across the country attended KASHMEDCON 2026, a 2-day conference at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), here and held threadbare discussions on advances in clinical medicine, evidence-based treatment and improved patient care.
The conference organised by the Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, on October 14 and 15, provided a platform for specialists, researchers and postgraduate medical students to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges in internal medicine and explore ways to improve clinical outcomes.
The conference was inaugurated by Prof. G. Narsimulu, President of the Association of Physicians of India (API). Faculty members and delegates from GMC Srinagar, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), AIIMS New Delhi, GMC Jammu, AIIMS Jammu and other prominent medical institutions participated in the scientific deliberations.
Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Ismail, Head of the Department of General Medicine at GMC Srinagar, served as the Organising Chairman, while Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey was the Organising Secretary. Dr. Basharat Ahmad served as Co-organising Secretary, and Dr. Hyder Hamid Lone as Organising Coordinator.
The scientific sessions covered a wide range of medical conditions, with particular emphasis on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, preventive healthcare and the practical application of recent scientific evidence in clinical settings.
On the first day, experts deliberated on antimicrobial stewardship, the rational use of antibiotics, influenza prevention, advances in obesity and diabetes management, cardiovascular emergencies, sepsis, systemic sclerosis and pesticide poisoning.
Pesticide poisoning received particular attention given its relevance to agricultural communities, where unsafe handling and inadequate protective measures can pose serious health risks.
The second day featured discussions on autoimmune diseases, early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis during pregnancy, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), kidney injury associated with monoclonal proteins, advances in stroke management and updated tuberculosis guidelines.
Eminent speakers included Prof. G. Narsimulu, Prof. Parvaiz Koul, Prof. Nayer Jamshed of AIIMS New Delhi, Dr. Ajay Gupta and Dr. Bimlesh Dhar, along with other national and regional experts.
The conference also highlighted the importance of public awareness and timely medical intervention in preventing complications associated with common and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Experts stressed that antibiotics should be used only on medical advice, warning that their inappropriate and excessive use contributes to antimicrobial resistance and can make infections increasingly difficult to treat.
The importance of influenza vaccination, particularly for older adults and people living with chronic medical conditions, was also emphasised as part of preventive healthcare, especially ahead of the winter season.
Discussing stroke awareness, experts highlighted the need to recognise warning signs, including sudden facial drooping, weakness affecting one side of the body and difficulty speaking.
They stressed that such symptoms require immediate hospital assessment, as delays in treatment can worsen outcomes and increase the risk of long-term disability.
The sessions also underlined the need for early evaluation of persistent back pain in young people, particularly when accompanied by morning stiffness that improves with physical activity, as these symptoms may indicate an inflammatory spinal condition.
On tuberculosis, experts stressed that a persistent cough, particularly one lasting two weeks or longer, should prompt medical evaluation and appropriate testing. They reiterated that tuberculosis is curable and that eligible patients can access treatment through government health services.
The discussions further highlighted the importance of safe pesticide handling, the use of protective equipment during spraying and secure storage of chemicals away from children.
Experts also emphasised that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, weight management and timely health check-ups remain central to preventing and managing diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease.
Apart from scientific deliberations, KASHMEDCON 2026 provided opportunities for young physicians and postgraduate trainees to present their research through scientific paper and poster presentations.
The sessions encouraged academic interaction, critical evaluation of emerging evidence and the development of research skills among young medical professionals.
A dedicated hands-on workshop on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and echocardiography was another key feature of the conference.
The workshop provided practical exposure to bedside assessment and the rapid evaluation of patients, highlighting the growing role of modern diagnostic techniques in clinical decision-making.
The organisers said the conference was aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and encouraging medical professionals to incorporate evidence-based practices into routine patient care.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Prof. (Dr.) Syed Naseer Ahmad Shah Lifetime Achievement Award in Medicine to the family of the late Prof. Dr. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat.
The award recognised his contributions to medicine and his commitment to medical education, research and patient care.
The conference concluded with recognition of outstanding scientific paper and poster presentations, followed by a vote of thanks.
The organisers acknowledged the contributions of faculty members, postgraduate and senior residents, delegates, departmental staff and members of the organising committee in ensuring the successful conduct of the event.
The KASHMEDCON aims to establish itself as a key academic platform for internal medicine in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating collaboration among medical institutions, promoting research and helping young doctors remain abreast of developments in their field.
Through continued scientific engagement and professional exchange, the conference seeks to strengthen clinical practice and improve the quality of healthcare available to patients across the Union Territory. (KNO)