SRINAGAR, AUGUST 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today emphasized on the need to strengthen preventive and curative healthcare systems for the elderly population as diabetes has emerged as a silent yet pressing health challenge among our elders.
The Health Minister made these remarks while delivering the keynote address after inaugurating 1st Annual MMFDIACON25 International Endocrinology Conference at Government Medical College (GMC) here today. The conference was organised by GMC Srinagar in collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology of Super Speciality hospital, MMF Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing and Moul Mouj Foundation.
The conference, themed “Elders Deserve Better: Diabetes and its Complications in the Elderly – An Interdisciplinary Approach,” brought together experts and professionals from various fields to discuss the latest developments and challenges in managing diabetes and its complications in the elderly. In her key note address, the Minister emphasized on the importance of addressing diabetes and its complications in the elderly population, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. She stressed on the urgent need to strengthen preventive and curative healthcare systems for the elderly population, particularly those grappling with chronic conditions like diabetes. “Diabetes in the elderly is not just a medical issue but also a social challenge. Our elders deserve compassion, timely diagnosis, and collaborative treatment strategies that address the full spectrum of complications. This conference is a significant step toward building that holistic model of care,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal/Dean, GMC Srinagar and Patron of the conference, Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah highlighted that GMC Srinagar and its associated hospitals remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery in Kashmir, with a special focus on the needs of the elderly population. HoD Endocrinology, Dr. M. Hayat, in his address underlined the urgency of the conference theme, noting the multiple and complex complications of diabetes witnessed among elderly patients, which necessitate interdisciplinary discussion and intervention, while as Senior Consultant Geriatrics and Academic Convenor, CISA, Dr. Zubair Saleem reaffirmed that CISA and MMF are committed not only to the treatment of ageing parents in Kashmir but also to advancing academic research and policy dialogue in geriatrics.