The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar hosted an insightful event on "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Update" at the SKIMS Auditorium, in observance of PCOS Awareness Month. The event was organized under ICMR-PCOS National Task Force Study, for which SKIMS serves as the nationwide coordinating centre with Dr. Mohd Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG as the National Chief coordinator for last seven years. The event commenced with welcome address by Dr Anjum Malik, Associate Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SKIMS-MC, Bemina, followed by a presentations on Introduction to ICMR PCOS Task Force Initiative, Multidisciplinary PCOS Clinic-A SKIMS initiative and a PCOS Documentary.
The Inaugural ceremony of the event began with welcome address by Dr. Cimona Lyn Saldanha, Head, Department of OBG, SKIMS, who emphasized the significance of the event and set the tone for further proceedings. Dr. Mohd. Ashraf Ganie, Chief Guest of the function extended a cordial welcome to all the guests, SKIMS faculty, and other attendees. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, special guest on the occasion and highlighted the significance of the ICMR PCOS Task Force Study, the study's outcomes and the serious consequences of PCOS on women's health. He also urged all faculty members and scientists to focus on specific areas of their interest and carve a niche in order to achieve global recognition by taking cue from the work. Prof. Ganie commended the event organizers for their dedication and acknowledged the critical role of SKIMS in PCOS research at global level.
Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, special guest on the occasion thanked Dr. Ganie for his patronage while acknowledging his leadership in academics and research and assurance for supporting upcoming AIIMS Awantipora. In his address, Dr. Mohanty anticipated that SKIMS and AIIMS Awantipora through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will play a vital mentoring role to guide the development of AIIMS Awantipora, fostering an environment of collaboration and shared expertise that would ultimately enhance patient care. Following the formal proceedings, Dr. Mohanty had the opportunity to tour SKIMS patient care facilities etc, where he expressed his admiration for the exceptional work being carried out at the institute. Dr. Mohanty concluded his address by that AIIMS Awantipora is anticipated to become operational by the next year, with ongoing recruitment efforts already in progress and conveyed his optimism that both the institutions would play a crucial role in improving healthcare accessibility and quality in the region.
Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, the guest of honour, delivered an insightful address that underscored the critical importance of educational programs centered on PCOS. She emphasized that these programs play a vital role in equipping healthcare professionals and the community with the knowledge necessary to effectively manage this prevalent condition, which affects a significant number of women worldwide. Dean of Medical Faculty, Dr. Shariq R. Masoodi, underscored the event's relevance in raising awareness about PCOS and its clinical manifestations. He emphasized the need for widespread engagement beyond the medical community to educate the broader society about this condition, which affects millions of women globally. Dr. Masoodi, in his address, highlighted the significant contributions of Dr. Mohd Ashraf Ganie, stating that initiating a National Task Force is a matter of pride for SKIMS.
The inaugural session was followed by a Panel Discussion on “Advocacy for PCOS Awareness, Research, and Future Directions” that was moderated by Prof. Mehbooba Beig, I/C Head, Dept. of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, MC&H, Bemina. A distinguished panel of experts from multiple disciplines shared their insights, including representatives from dermatology, psychiatry, radiology, yoga and dietetics. The event continued with key presentations on Dermatological Aspects of PCOS, Medication, Diet, and Physical Activity in PCOS, Gynaecological Issues in PCOS Infertility and PCOS Registry by eminent speakers from SKIMS and SKMS-MC Bemina.