Srinagar, Mar 25 (KNO): The Post Graduate Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Wednesday organized a PACE Program on Bariatric Surgery, featuring a live operative workshop at the Surgery Seminar Hall.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the event was inaugurated by Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar, who lauded the department’s progressive strides in minimal access and bariatric surgery.
She said, “The integration of cutting-edge laparoscopic and metabolic techniques has significantly enhanced surgical precision, minimized perioperative risks, and improved recovery timelines.”
She emphasized that such academic engagements are vital for nurturing innovation, evidence-based practices, and surgical excellence among emerging clinicians.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Iqbal Saleem Mir, Head of the Department Minimal Access & General Surgery, acknowledged the dedication of his team and reaffirmed the department’s focus on quality care and academic advancement. “Over the past five years, the Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery at GMC Srinagar has made significant progress in the field of bariatric surgery, successfully performing more than 300 bariatric procedures with encouraging outcomes,” he added.
“The Department of Health and Medical Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, has facilitated the availability of staplers and energy sources at significantly reduced costs, thereby enabling the performance of these procedures almost free of cost at GMC Srinagar,” he said.
The inaugural session was followed by an extensive live operative workshop, where real-time surgical procedures were demonstrated. The sessions focused on contemporary bariatric techniques, patient selection, perioperative management, and improving surgical outcomes, providing a valuable academic platform for postgraduate trainees and practicing surgeons.
A key highlight of the program was the participation of Dr. Mufazzal Lakdawala, a leading bariatric and metabolic surgeon from India, who has received multiple national and international recognitions for excellence in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. Widely invited as faculty at major global conferences, he is known for advancing safe and evidence-based bariatric practices.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Abdul Hamid Samoon, Organising Secretary, on behalf of the Department of Minimal Access & General Surgery expressed sincere gratitude to Prof Showkat Kadla (HOD Gastroenterology) , Prof. Rakesh Koul (HOD Medicine),Prof. Hina Bashir Shah (HOD Anaesthesiology), Dr. Mohammad Hayat Bhat (HOD Endocrinology), and Dr. Andleeb (MS SMHS Hospital) for their valuable contributions and continued support in strengthening the bariatric surgery program at GMC Srinagar.
The event was graced by the august presence of Professor Ajaz Rather (HOD Surgery, SKIMS Medical College), Professor Mubashir Shah (SKIMS), Professor M. R. Attri, Professor Mushtaq Chalkoo, Professor Ab Rashid Ganie, Professor Zaffar Saleem Khanday and Dr. Hakeem Waqar (KMC), along with other eminent faculty members from GMC Srinagar representing the Departments of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Medicine, and Endocrinology. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from postgraduate residents and MBBS students, who actively engaged in discussions and benefited from real-time exposure to advanced bariatric surgical techniques, enhancing their clinical understanding and academic learning.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the successful culmination of a highly informative and interactive academic program—(KNO)