KOCHI:
The National conference of Indian Society of Gastroenterology “ISGCON-2018” began at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, Kochi.
The four days meet attended by 2500 gastroenterology experts are taking stock of the Gastro Intestinal diseases burden in India and effective strategies to tackle them. Experts from across the globe have also begun discussions on the latest updates and advances in the field of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Gastro Intestinal Endoscopy. V.J Kurian, inaugurated the Conference.
Reminding that the health of our gastro-intestinal system has an integral role in our well being, V.J Kurian said that it is common experience that when our belly is affected, our immune system, mental condition and overall health are affected.
‘Almost everyone faces some kind of digestive system disorders during lifetime. The conditions can escalate to graver heath issues. Visit your doctor early to prevent major ailments for your sake and also for the country’s sake for an ailing abdomen upsets your mood and has a direct impact on productivity,’ he urged.
Dr. Naresh Bhat, President, Indian Society of Gastroenterology in his address said that gut is our second brain in many ways and its influence is far reaching. ‘Eat healthy food, lead an active lifestyle, manage stress and optimize your gastro- intestinal health. A healthy gut means a healthy you,’ he said. High Prevalence: ‘Gastrointestinal, Liver gallbladder and pancreatic disorders and diseases are on the rise worldwide. Our country is worst hit for reasons attributable to rapid urbanization, change in food habits, lifestyle and genetic factors.’ Dr. Mathew Philip, Organizing Secretary and Director, PVS Institute of Digestive Diseases said.
‘Alcohol consumption, smoking, indiscriminate use of antibiotics, consumption of spicy, fermented and fast-food, overuse of refined sugar, oils and fatty substances and bad sanitation aggravates the problems. Studies show a steep rise in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver and cancers affecting Liver, Pancreas, Gall bladder and colon are also increasing,’ he said.
The GI and Hepatology diseases have to be contained region-wise, identifying the population based risk factors and launching sustained awareness programmes. Treatment mechanism needs use of latest intervention techniques and a multi disciplinary approach with surgeons, radiologists and dieticians acting in unison, Dr. Mathew Philip said.
Dr. Philip Augustine, Organizing Chairman, Dr.Naresh Bhat, President, ISG, Dr. Govind Makharia, General Secretary, ISG, Dr. Mathew Philip, Organizing Secretary, Dr. Antony Paul, Dr. Junaid Rehman, IMA President, Dr. G.N. Ramesh , Dr. D. Krishnadas, ISGKC President also spoke in the inaugural session. Scientific Sessions: More than a hundred eminent specialist doctors from United States, Europe, Asian and African countries are holding deliberations to share their treatment strategies, operator expertise and cutting edge techniques in Gastroenterology.
The conference on its opening day saw scientific sessions on interface with basic Sciences, Oncology, Radiology, Hepatology, Gastrointestinal Surgery and Endoscopy, and Paediatric Gastroenterology. Twenty three international faculty who are worldwide experts in various aspects of Gastroenterology will be speaking in the four days scientific journey, in addition to 300 renowned faculties from India.
Hands-on workshops for both doctors and endoscopy technicians and Training Programme for nurses are other highlights of the event. A national level quiz program called Masterminds in Gastroenterology will be held for trainees. The delegates will participate in a mini marathon on 30 th Friday from 5.30 am to spread the message of ‘healthy life for healthy gut’.
The 59 th Annual conference is held in the state after a gap of sixteen years. Remarkably, the meet is carbon-negative, nature friendly, avoiding plastics and flex materials. Scientific papers are being presented in the e-poster format. The conference is being organized by the Kerala chapter of Indian society of Gastroenterology in association with the Cochin Gut Club.
