Srinagar, Jun 05 (KNO): The Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Thursday organised a comprehensive day-long awareness and educational programme to enhance public awareness and improve early detection of thyroid-related ailments.
As reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the event brought together medical professionals, students, and members of the general public to shed light on the growing burden of thyroid disorders in the region and beyond.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and Executive Officer, SKIMS Governing Body (EOSG), who is also one of India’s most renowned endocrinologists. In his address, Prof Ganie emphasised the pressing need to integrate routine thyroid screening in key areas of healthcare, particularly in newborns and expectant mothers.
“Congenital hypothyroidism, if undetected, can lead to irreversible developmental disorders, including mental retardation. It is absolutely essential that all newborns are screened, and all pregnant women are evaluated for thyroid dysfunction. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications,” he said.
Prof Ganai further highlighted lifestyle-related risk factors contributing to the rise in thyroid disorders, expressing concern over increasing sedentary behaviour and excessive screen time among children. “We are seeing a worrying trend of lifestyle-induced health issues. Balanced diets, physical activity, and awareness are the first lines of defence,” he said.
To reinforce the importance of screening, the Director SKIMS issued instructions to the Department of Endocrinology to formally recommend to the Heads of Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology at SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College to ensure routine screening protocols are adopted and implemented across departments.
The event featured scientific sessions led by Dr Riyaz Misgar and other leading faculty members of the Department of Endocrinology. These sessions covered a wide range of thyroid-related conditions, with a special focus on congenital hypothyroidism and pregnancy-related thyroid dysfunction.
Experts presented data indicating a projected rise in thyroid disorders among newborns if preventive steps are not institutionalised.
The sessions also emphasised the importance of public education, advocating for early diagnosis, appropriate medical follow-up, and the promotion of iodine-rich nutrition to combat hypothyroidism. The need for school-based screening and awareness programs was also discussed.
Participants included specialists from paediatrics, internal medicine, and gynaecology, as well as medical students and members of the public. Interactive discussions and question-and-answer segments ensured that both professionals and attendees were actively engaged.
The event concluded with a strong call for policy-level changes and community-based screening programs aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes through the early identification and treatment of thyroid disorders—(KNO)