STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Jammu, in collaboration with the departments of Pediatrics at ASCOMS and GMC Jammu, organized a significant event titled “EPILEPTOCON 2024 – An Update on Pediatric Epilepsy.” The conference, which took place recently, saw participation from approximately 250 delegates, including Pediatricians, Intensivists, Neurologists, Physicians, Residents, and MBBS students from various medical colleges across North India.
The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, alongside Guests of Honor Dr. A.S. Bhatia (Principal GMC Rajouri), Dr. Pavan Malhotra (Director Principal ASCOMS), Dr. S.K. Gupta (Eminent Neurologist), Dr. Sudheer Dhar (Senior Physician), Dr. Ashok Gupta (Ex-HOD Pediatrics, SMGS Jammu), and Dr. Rekha Harish (Ex-HOD Pediatrics, SMGS Jammu). Dr. Ashutosh Gupta praised the organizing team for their efforts and encouraged the continuation of such academic events for the benefit of young doctors.
The event featured a ceremonial lamp lighting with Saraswati Vandana and an engaging skit performed by MBBS students from ASCOMS, which effectively debunked common myths about epilepsy. Dr. S.K. Gupta provided insights into the latest management strategies for Pediatric Epilepsy and commended the organizing team led by Dr. Ravinder K Gupta. The program commenced with an informative lecture on neonatal seizures by renowned neonatologist Dr. Anuj Bhatti.
A series of updates on pediatric epilepsy followed, delivered by experts including Dr. Pawan Kumar (Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, Nahan Medical College, Himachal Pradesh) and Dr. Surjeet Kumar (Pediatric Intensivist, GMC Jammu). The conference also featured interactive sessions with distinguished pediatric neurologists such as Dr. J.S. Goraya (DMC Ludhiana), Dr. Gurpreet S Kochar (Ludhiana), and Dr. Ashna Kumar (Amritsar). A quiz session led by Dr. Vivek Pandita (Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, ASCOMS Jammu) added a dynamic element to the proceedings.
A highlight of the event was the Dr. Ritu Gupta Oration, delivered by Dr. Suresh K Angurana (Pediatric Intensivist & Associate Professor, PGIMER Chandigarh), who discussed ‘Status Epilepticus.’ The session was complemented by a documentary showcasing the achievements and contributions of the late Dr. Ritu Gupta (Professor of Physiology) in the field of medicine.
The event was successfully organized under the supervision of Dr. G.S. Saini (Professor & HOD Pediatrics, SMGS Jammu) and Dr. Ravinder K Gupta (Professor & HOD Pediatrics, ASCOMS Jammu), with Dr. Vikas Mahajan and Dr. Sushil Sharma serving as the organizing secretaries. Faculty members, residents, and staff from the Pediatrics department at ASCOMS contributed significantly to the success of the conference, with Mihika and Aradita managing the stage.