District Hospitals will have a Gastroenterology Department Soon: Dr Ramesh

KOCHI:
The government district hospitals will provide Gastroenterology services as early as possible, says Dr. Ramesh, director, Kerala Health services.
He was inaugurating the silver jubilee conference of Indian Society of Gastroenterology, Kerala chapter. The event is organized by the Department of Gastroenterology Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi in association with Cochin Gut Club at IMA house. The public health scenario in Kerala is undergoing rapid changes. There should be balance in service from the primary sector to the medical college level. Kerala government is on the way to make it happen under the Navakeralam project. As per the National Family health survey published recently, the number of patients with diabetes, hypertension, cancer is been increased at an alarming rate. Diagnosis of diseases and effective management is needed in this regard. The government started steps to convert primary health centers to family health centers. All support by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology needed for the doctors in government sector, he added.
Prof.V. Balakrishnan was conferred the Life Time Achievement award for his immense contribution to the field of Gastroenterology in Kerala. Chief guest Padma Prof. Dr. T S Chandrasekar, President Indian Society of Gastroenterology honoured around twenty senior teachers and faculty members in a solemn function – Gurupranamam. The key note address on Innovative Techniques in GI Endoscopy – The Indian Contribution was delivered by Prof. Dr.T S Chandrasekar.
The theme of the two day CME Gastrointestinal Oncology (GI Oncology) discussed different issues from prevention to palliation.
Learning center were set up for the young gastroenterologists where various advanced endoscopic procedures shown as video clippings. Hands on training for ERCP, parallel workshop for the endoscopic technicians, technician students and nurses where they got exposure to newer instruments and procedures. Around hundred faculty members are gave lectures, presenting papers, training the juniors and endoscopy assistants. About 300 delegates participated in the conference.
Dr. Naresh Bhat, President Elect of ISG released the silver jubilee souvenir ‘Syner GI ‘. Director Medical Trust hospital PV Antony offered felicitations. ISG President and organising chairman Dr. Sunil K. Mathai, ISG Seceretary and organising secretary Dr. Binoy Sebastian, Cochin Gut Club Chairman Dr. G.N. Ramesh, Dr. Rajeev participated in the event.