Srinagar, Oct 29: In a landmark event for the region, the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College Hospital hosted its inaugural Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme, titled “New Frontiers in Pediatric Allergy,” on Tuesday. This pivotal gathering united leading experts in the field to delve into the most recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergies affecting children.
The focal point of the programme, ‘Allergy and Pulmonology Update 2024,’ was dedicated exclusively to advancing pediatric allergy care.
Prof Riyaz Malik, the Head of Pediatrics at SKIMS Medical College Hospital, highlighted the crucial nature of these discussions for the pediatric patients in Kashmir, underscoring their potential impact on local healthcare outcomes.
“This CME brought together a distinguished lineup of experts from leading institutions, including Dr P K Vedanthan from IAS Colorado, Dr Sowmya Nagarajan, Dr Neeraj Gupta along with faculty from Cochin, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi,” Prof Malik stated enthusiastically. “Together, we explored the complex nature of allergies, preventive strategies, and innovative treatment modalities that will undoubtedly benefit the pediatric population here in Kashmir.”
The programme garnered the attention of Dr Muhammad Ashraf Ganie, the Director of SKIMS, who participated as the event’s Patron, signalling its importance on multiple levels.
He underscored the significant implications of this event, particularly in light of seasonal shifts that often pose challenges to respiratory health.
“In Kashmir, seasonal transitions from summer to autumn and spring to summer frequently lead to a rise in viral infections and allergies,” Dr Ganie explained. He commended the initiative, noting that it was instrumental in enhancing knowledge and promoting better patient care during these critical times when vulnerabilities peak.
Prof Muzaffar Jan, the Head of Pediatrics at GMC Srinagar, elaborated on the substantial impact allergies have on children’s overall well-being, citing that approximately 20-30 percent of children are affected by allergies. He remarked that such conditions can impair physical health as well as emotional well-being, academic performance, and family dynamics.
“It is essential to focus on preventive strategies and effective treatment modalities,” Prof Jan asserted. “This dual approach will significantly elevate the quality of childhood experiences, supporting both physical health and emotional development in children.”
Dr Ghulam Hassan, a renowned expert in allergy treatment, presented compelling insights into how recent advancements in research have revolutionized the field of allergy care.
He shared the latest findings on allergy management, emphasising that these groundbreaking developments could substantially enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Dr Hassan stressed that key preventive measures – targeted vaccinations for vulnerable children, minimising exposure to overcrowded spaces, prioritising high-protein diets, ensuring adequate hydration, and promoting fresh food – are essential for reducing allergy risks among children.
The event featured in-depth sessions covering various aspects of allergy management, thus providing attendees with the current trends and treatments, both traditional and emerging, in the fight against pediatric allergies.
