By | Mir Iqbal
Srinagar– The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), in collaboration with the District TB Centre (DTC) Srinagar, marked World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025 with an insightful event aimed at raising awareness about the global TB burden and highlighting advancements in diagnosis and prevention.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Sonauallah Shah, Head of the Department of General Medicine, SKIMS, who introduced the theme of World TB Day 2025. This was followed by the Associate Dean’s address by Prof. (Dr.) G.M. Gulzar, HOD Gastroenterology, who emphasized the severe health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis.
In his keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS & EOSG, raised concerns about the interaction between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and infections like TB, calling it a potential health challenge for India. He stressed the importance of research and collaboration between multiple departments—General Medicine, Community Medicine, and Microbiology—to tackle TB effectively. He also underlined the significance of interdisciplinary efforts in addressing the complexities of TB and its connection with NCDs.
The event featured expert-led lecture sessions from SKIMS faculty members, covering various aspects of tuberculosis. Medical professionals from the fields of respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, microbiology, and community medicine shared their insights on TB management, new advancements, and challenges in treatment. The discussions were chaired by senior faculty members, creating a platform for meaningful academic exchange.
The program concluded with an interactive session led by Prof. Ajaz Nabi Koul, HOD Infectious Disease, where postgraduate students analyzed complex TB cases handled at SKIMS. The discussions revolved around real-world case scenarios, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis. Prof. Koul highlighted the importance of teamwork between clinicians, laboratory consultants, and imaging specialists to improve TB detection and management.
The event witnessed active participation from faculty members, residents, and medical professionals, reaffirming their commitment to the global goal of ending TB by 2030. The organizers expressed gratitude to DTO Srinagar and the SKIMS administration for facilitating the academic discussions. As tuberculosis continues to pose a significant public health challenge, experts at SKIMS underscored the urgent need for research, collaboration, and early detection strategies to combat the disease effectively.
