Government Medical College Srinagar observes World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

• Organises CME on ‘Antimicrobial Resistance - Save Antibiotics, Save the Future’

SRINAGAR: To commemorate World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18-24 November), the Post Graduate Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, organized a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled ‘Antimicrobial Resistance - Save Antibiotics, Save the Future.’

The CME aimed to raise awareness about the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing responsible and rational use of antimicrobials. The program was conducted under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ifat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar and Associated Hospitals, who was also the chief guest.

The guest of honour was Prof. Dr. G.C. Khilnani, Ex-Professor and Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Delhi. The Organizing Chairman was Professor and Head Department of Medicine, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Koul while Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Maqbool (Professor, Department of Medicine) served as the Organizing Secretary, and Dr. Basharat Ahmed (Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine) was the Joint Organizing Secretary of the CME.

Principal/Dean Prof. Dr. Ifat Hassan emphasized the significance of responsible antibiotic use, stating, “Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global concern, threatening our ability to treat infections effectively. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to promote judicious antibiotic use and develop strategies to combat resistance.

She further said that we must work together to address this challenge, through continued education, research, and collaboration. “GMC Srinagar is committed to leading this effort, and I commend the Department of General Medicine for organizing this timely CME,” added Dr. Ifat.

The CME featured three scientific sessions, covering topics such as common infections in the valley, antimicrobial stewardship, adult immunization, rapid tests in diagnosis, and prevention and control of infections. A panel discussion on ‘Responsible Use of Antibiotics’ moderated by Prof. Dr. G.C. Khilnani, highlighted the importance of judicious antibiotic use.

The CME was attended by Heads of Departments, including Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Jan, Prof. Dr. Sonaullah Shah, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Saleem Mir, Prof. Samina Farhat Hakak, Prof. Dr. Hina Bashir, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Salim Khan, Prof. Dr. Syed Masuma Rizvi, Prof. Dr. Junaid Wani, Prof. Dr. Majid Jahangir, Dr. Asifa Nazir, and Dr. Yasmeen Jabeen. Delegates from various hospitals in the valley also participated.