Experts highlight need for modern respiratory diagnostics in Kashmir’s cold climate
Baramulla: The Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session and hands-on workshop on “Advanced Lung Function Assessment” in collaboration with the PURE Foundation, Pune.
The academic event, held under the patronage of Principal Prof. (Dr) Majid Jehangir, brought together leading pulmonologists, faculty members, and postgraduate trainees to deliberate on emerging diagnostic methods in respiratory care.
Inaugurating the programme, Prof. Jehangir underscored the growing need for advanced diagnostic tools in Kashmir, citing the region’s vulnerability to respiratory disorders due to its cold climate. The ceremony was attended by Prof. (Dr) Shafqat Ahmad Lone (Registrar Academics), Dr. Parvaiz Masoodi (Medical Superintendent), Dr. Shumail Bashir (Head of Department, TB & Respiratory Medicine), and visiting course directors Dr. Sundeep Salvi and Dr. Deesha Ghorpade from the PURE Foundation.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Shumail Bashir highlighted the department’s commitment to bridging clinical practice with technological advances.
The scientific sessions featured a series of expert-led lectures: Dr. Aqeel Hussain discussed spirometry applications; Dr. Bashir elaborated on FeNO testing for airway inflammation; Dr. Ghorpade presented on lung oscillometry with pediatric relevance; and Dr. Salvi explained DLCO and body plethysmography techniques. Together, the sessions offered participants a comprehensive overview of advanced lung function assessment.
Distinguished experts Prof. (Dr) Naveed Nazir Shah (HOD, Chest Disease Hospital) and Prof. (Dr) Sonaullah Shah (HOD, Medicine, SKIMS Soura) joined the deliberations, adding regional clinical perspectives to the discussion.
The workshop segment allowed participants hands-on interaction with sophisticated lung function testing equipment, translating theory into practical competence.
Concluding the day-long event, the organising committee extended a vote of thanks, marking the workshop as an academically enriching experience that reinforced GMC Baramulla’s role as an emerging centre for respiratory medicine education in north Kashmir.
