Increasing Connectivity Across the Global World has Amplified the Problem of Virus Transmissions Says Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar

H. C. Gera | Bureau Chief

A National Level Conference for two days on ‘Emerging Viral Infections, Challenges and Road Ahead’ was recently organized by the Post Graduate Department of Microbiology, GMC Srinagar in collaboration with ICMR, New Delhi.

Inauguration
While inaugurating the two days conference, the Chief Guest, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor J & K, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar amid the gathering of eminent doctors, medical researchers and other scholars categorically remarked that “with the rapid development and increasing connectivity across the global world, the problem of virus transmissions is amplifying on a daily basis”. He also said that the scientists and researchers in the field need to understand the emerging viruses on the basis of scientific cannons so that timely action is initiated to check the viral transmissions. Bhatnagar further continued that “we as a society need to be fully prepared for facing any kind of viral exigencies in future. He also added that there is an urgent need to develop an infrastructure keeping in view the future challenges the viruses may pose for mankind”.

While speaking about the significance of National Level Conference, Advisor Bhatnagar highlighted that this conference will be a great platform to deal with the challenges of viral infections and make our future ready to deal with any kind of pandemic.

The Advisor also complimented the GMC Srinagar and ICMR for organising this kind of conference owing to its relevance to present day world.

A Souvenir ‘Em Vir Con-2022’ was also released on the occasion during the conference.

The conference was also virtually addressed by Secretary Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar. He said that the two days conference shall address the current issues of viral diseases and therefore owes much significance in the present world. He further expressed that in last two years, the J&K Government has amplified the medical infrastructure across all health facilities.

Dr. Samia Rashid, Principal GMC said that due to rapid development, the connection between humans and animals is increasing which has led to emergence of several viral diseases in the society. She added that due to constant support of the Government, the GMC has successfully dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor (Dr.) Anjum Farhana, HOD Microbiology GMC Srinagar during her welcome address divulged about the broad contours of two days National Level Conference. 

Among others, the conference was attended by Director SKIMS, Principal GMC Jammu, former Director SKIMS, and HODs of different departments, medical researchers from ICMR and other institutes, doctors and other medical practitioners.

The Scientific Programmes and the Technical Sessions

The two days Conference was full of brainstorming sessions. It was unique to notice that there were 3 Sessions on each day where the eminent speakers poured their minds with latest topics on the viruses which enlightened the researches and the students present in large numbers.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Nivedita Gupta Scientist F and ECD Chief ICMR, New Delhi delivered her Keynote address entitled ‘Emerging Viral Infections’ on-line because of her preoccupations. Her address unfolded several aspects of emerging viruses. This was followed by a lead lecture by Dr. Pragya Yadav, Group leader BSL4, NIV ICMR Pune-Monkey Pox Outbreak: The Changing Epidemiology and Diagnosis. Her lecture was quite captivating.

The session 2 included a plenary lecture by Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, Director Digestive Disease Centre, and Ex-Director SKIMS and another lead lecture by Dr. R.K. Ratho, HOD, and Department of Virology PGI Chandigarh. Dr. Khuroo lecture was about the discovery of Hepatitis E and its impact on Public Health. Dr. Ratho’s lead lecture was also on Chronic E:A Growing public health concern. It was an experience listening to eminent stalwarts who contributed and shared the knowledge in the field of Discovery of Viral Hepatitis E and Chronic E:A respectively.

During Session 3, lead lecture by Dr. Pragya Yadav on Surveillance of Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 Pan India Study which was quite informative.

Dr. Ajaz Nabi Koul, Additional Prof. Department of Internal Medicine, SKIMS Soura, Programme Director, DNB fellowship in Infectious Disease talked about the Preparedness of handling emerging infections under “One Health Concept”. The lecture kept the audience glued to the chair till the end.

Dr. Mohammad Altaf Bhat Professor and Head Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, SKAUST delivered an interesting lecture.

Dr. Altaf Hussain Mir (Entomologist) and Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology University of Kashmir, spoke on entomological aspects on vector borne Diseases.

Post tea session was for oral presentations. The panel of Judges included Dr. Rama Chaudhary, Dr. Anuradha, Dr. Salim Khan and Dr. Nidhi.

The second day of the conference was quite thought provoking.

The Keynote Address was delivered on line by Dr. Priya Abraham, Director NIV Pune. This was followed by two lead lectures by eminent speakers by Dr. Parviaz Koul Director SKIMS Saura Srinagar and Dr. Sarah Cherian, Scientist G, NIV ICMR. The Session 2 included lead lecture by Dr.Harsimrat Kaur Scientist C ICMR New Delhi, Dr. Muzafer Maqbool, Associate Professor Department of Medicine, GMC Srinagar and Dr. Ambreen Qureshi, Prof. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. GMC, Srinagar.
Like wisely, the Session 3 on second day was also interesting which dealt on the varied topics by the eminent academicians namely Dr.Mohammad Salim Khan Professor Head Department of PSM, GMC Srinagar, Dr.Ashoq Mir, SMO WHO And Dr. Bansi Dhar Taral Head Microbiology and infection control, Max The Hospitals, Saket, New Delhi.

The Panel of Judges

The panel of Judges in each scientific session was experienced in varied fields. They played a pivotal role in each session by delivering their judgment appropriately and in a befitting manner.

The First Time Two Days National Level Conference cum Workshop at GMC Srinagar

It was unbelievable that such a well managed National Level Conference cum Workshop was organised for the first time at GMC Srinagar. All appreciations for Professor Dr. Anjum Farhana, HOD Microbiology and organizing Chairperson, and Chief organising Secretary, Professor Dr. Nahid Nahavi GMC Srinagar and the entire team. The micro planning for this conference was of the highest order.

Dr. Farhana is not only an ambitious planner but more than that an executor par excellence. A special mention for Dr. Reyaz Nasir and Dr.Danish Zahoor, for their most efficient coordination with the participants and guests attending this conference for their comfortable stay, unmatched hospitality and arrangement of transport.