Srinagar, April 19, 2025: The Postgraduate Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery at Government Medical College Srinagar, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Surgeons of India , successfully conducted a groundbreaking Live Operative Workshop on Advanced Laparoscopic GI and Gynae Oncosurgery on April 18, 2025. Held at the GMC Auditorium, the masterclass showcased cutting-edge surgical techniques, reinforcing Srinagar’s growing stature as a hub for medical innovation.
The event, a landmark in Kashmir’s healthcare landscape, featured live demonstrations of complex procedures, including Laparoscopic Whipple’s Procedure, Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Carcinoma Rectum, and Laparoscopic Wertheim’s Hysterectomy for Carcinoma Endometrium. Renowned surgeon Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar led the sessions, captivating attendees with his precision and expertise. His demonstrations set a new benchmark for surgical education, offering insights into minimally invasive techniques that promise reduced recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
The workshop, accredited with four CME credit hours, was inaugurated under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal and Dean of GMC Srinagar. “This masterclass underscores GMC Srinagar’s commitment to advancing clinical skills and fostering academic excellence,” Dr. Shah remarked, highlighting the institution’s role in elevating healthcare standards in Jammu and Kashmir. The event drew surgeons, medical students, and professionals from across the region, eager to learn from live surgeries and interactive discussions.
The collaboration with JAKASI emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in promoting surgical innovation. Attendees praised the workshop’s hands-on approach, with one participant noting, “Witnessing these procedures live was transformative—it bridges theory and practice like nothing else.” The masterclass also highlighted GMC Srinagar’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies, building on its recent adoption of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques in urological care.
In a surprising nod to popular culture, the event coincided with heightened local buzz around Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi, who was in Srinagar for the premiere of his film Ground Zero. While Hashmi’s presence was unrelated, it amplified social media chatter, with posts on X linking the actor’s visit to the city’s vibrant developments, including GMC’s medical milestone. “Srinagar is shining—Emraan Hashmi’s premiere and now GMC’s masterclass!” read one enthusiastic post.
The workshop not only showcased GMC Srinagar’s leadership in medical education but also underscored Kashmir’s potential as a center for healthcare excellence. As the institution continues to secure accolades—such as recent DrNB seats and a Certificate of Appreciation for research—the masterclass marks another step toward transforming patient care through innovation and expertise.