JAMMU: The 12th annual conference of the Jammu & Kashmir chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India, JAKASICON 2026, concluded successfully at AIIMS Jammu after a comprehensive three-day academic programme.
Organized by the Department of General Surgery, the conference brought together leading surgeons, academicians, and postgraduate trainees from across the country, serving as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in modern surgical practices.
The event was held under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu. The organizing committee was led by Dr. Maria Kapoor, along with Dr. Sushma Bhardwaj, Dr. Varun Dogra, Dr. Julie Singh, and Dr. Suneha Kumari.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. (Dr.) D. Maruthu Pandian, who attended as Chief Guest and emphasized ethical values in surgical practice. Prof. (Dr.) Madhumita Mukhopadhyay and Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma were the Guests of Honour. Prof. Mukhopadhyay highlighted the importance of such conferences in advancing academic growth and improving patient outcomes, while Prof. Sharma delivered a key lecture on brachytherapy in breast cancer.
The conference featured a wide-ranging scientific programme covering breast surgery, endocrine surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, thoracic surgery, colorectal surgery, and advanced hernia techniques. Discussions on evolving concepts in breast cancer management and oncoplastic surgery drew significant attention.
Key sessions in the later days focused on Artificial Intelligence in surgery, ethical practices, and minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. The event also included panel discussions, debates, and prestigious orations.
A major highlight was the active participation of postgraduate students and young surgeons through paper presentations, poster sessions, competitions, and surgical quizzes, offering them a platform to engage with experts and present their research.
Hands-on workshops on coloproctology, advanced wound and stoma care, suturing techniques, and Basic Life Support (BLS) training further enhanced practical learning.
The conference concluded with enthusiastic participation and meaningful academic deliberations, reinforcing its role in advancing surgical education and professional excellence.
