IAPSMCON 2025: J&K doctors among best in the world: Secy Health

Srinagar, Apr 11: Highlighting the excellence and dedication of the medical community in the region, Secretary Health & Medical Education, J&K, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, on Friday said that doctors from Jammu and Kashmir are among the best in the world.
He made these remarks on the sidelines of the 52nd Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) Conference, organized by the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar at SKICC Srinagar.
As the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Shah expressed his delight at the participation of doctors and researchers from across the country, commending their active involvement.
“Doctors from Jammu and Kashmir are regarded as among the best in the world. It is important to make research applicable to real-world settings so it benefits public health. Use plain language in research and collaborate with public health institutions,” he urged.
He also made a significant announcement, stating that for the first time in history, the Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated dedicated research funding for all government medical and dental colleges in its annual budget. “This is a substantial initiative, and the funding will increase further when utilized effectively,” he said.
Encouraging innovation, Dr. Shah advised faculty and students to undertake small pilot projects and take full advantage of the newly allocated research budget.
He emphasized the importance of Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, stating, “CMEs are crucial and should be regularly organized in hospitals and medical colleges. They must serve as valuable learning experiences for doctors and specialists.”
Underscoring the role of technology, he said that doctors must not resist the adoption of modern tools in healthcare delivery. “Our doctors are making their mark globally and delivering excellence in various parts of the world,” he added.
The Secretary Health expressed confidence that the outcomes of this landmark conference would contribute meaningfully to national health policy and strengthen the field of preventive and social medicine in India.
The event brought together leading medical experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals from all over the country. With hybrid participation (both physical and virtual), the conference features over 550 research papers, some of which will be recognized with best citation awards.
“This is an academic congregation of the country’s finest medical minds. We have participants from every state and union territory. I am confident that the insights shared here will translate into impactful policy actions,” Dr. Shah noted.
He also highlighted the broader value of hosting such national-level conferences in Jammu and Kashmir. “Srinagar is experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals, and events like these enhance its image as a center for intellectual and academic exchange,” he said.
The event has brought together over 1200 delegates from states and Union Territories across India and will conclude on April 13, 2025.
Dignitaries on the dais included Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/ Dean, GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Annarao Kulkarni, National President, IAPSM, Prof. (Dr.) Purushottam Giri, National Secretary General, IAPSM, Prof. (Dr.) S. Muhammad Salim Khan, HOD Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar & Organizing Chairman, IAPSMCON 2025 and Dr. Inaamul Haq, Associate Professor, SPM GMC Srinagar/Organizing Secretary, IAPSMCON 2025.
The dignitaries off the dais included higher officials from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Joint Secretaries, Senior Economic Advisor, Additional DG, Additional Commissioner), Executive Director, NHSRC, Director National Health Authority, Directors and deans of institutes of national importance, Additional Directors and Joint dDirectors of NCDC, Scientists from ICMR and other research institutes, National Health Mission, WHO Country Office Officials, Directors from various Health Services across the country, faculty members, delegates, guests from abroad, partners, dignitaries from H&ME, S&T and other departments of J&K.
Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) S. Muhammad Salim Khan, described the three-day national conference as a landmark event in the field of public health and medicine.
With over 550 research papers, 10 plenary sessions, and 20 presentations on best practices, the conference is among the largest of its kind ever held in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is one of the most significant medical and public health conferences ever hosted in J&K. Through quality research, we can make meaningful recommendations to the government to enhance public health services and adopt evidence-based best practices that will improve health indicators in the region,” said Prof. Khan.
He added, “We are proud to welcome thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across the country to engage in knowledge exchange, showcase innovations, and shape the future of public health in India.”
The event aims to become a platform for collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and government agencies, further cementing Jammu and Kashmir’s growing role in advancing medical education and community health initiatives.