Director SKIMS calls for multi-pronged approach to combat epidemic Liver disease in India

The Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at SKIMS successfully hosted the Mid-Term Conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology (IASG) on April 12–13, 2025. Centered on the theme “HPB Cancer Management,” the event brought together leading experts in liver, pancreatic, and biliary tract cancer care from across the country.

Organized under the aegis of Indian Society of surgical Gastroenterology (IASG), the conference was inaugurated by Padamshree Prof. BN Gangadhar President National Medical Council of India  and Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG

 in the presence of Prof Sujoy Paul HOD GI Surgery AIIMS New Delhi (General Secretay),Prof. G. M. Gulzar (Organizing Chairman) and Prof. Sadaf Ali (Organizing Secretary).

The Chief Guest for the event Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, Chairman of the National Medical Commission highlighted role of SKIMS in national contribution of academics, research and patient care. While congratulating the department for hosting the event and he said SKIMS should lead the region in these mandates.

Prof. Subhash Ghosh, President IASG, delivered a key note adress on evolution of Liver Transplant in India, underscored the urgent need to establish liver transplant services in the Union Territory, citing the increasing burden of liver disease. He stressed that preventive strategies and effective management of Hepatitidis Band C and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) are critical to addressing this public health challenge.

Designed as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) initiative, the conference featured the latest insights on diagnostics, surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary approaches to HPB oncology. Faculty from premier institutions such as AIIMS New Delhi, Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) Mumbai, and SGPGI Lucknow shared their experiences in treating complex HPB malignancies.

Keynote speakers Prof. Subhash Gupta (President, IASG) and Prof. Sujoy Pal (Secretary, IASG), along with other eminent specialists, highlighted evidence-based practices and emerging trends in the field.

A major highlight was the live demonstration of advanced HPB cancer surgeries, including laparoscopic and robotic procedures. In his keynote, Prof. Gupta emphasized the need for continued innovation and collaboration to improve cancer care nationwide.

The conference drew enthusiastic participation from faculty, postgraduate trainees, and practicing clinicians, reaffirming SKIMS’s role as a center of academic excellence and advanced patient care.

The event will continue tomorrow with focused sessions on pancreatic cancer, fostering deeper clinical dialogue and knowledge sharing.