KUACON 2018-the 23rd Annual Conference of Karnataka Urology Association Inaugurated at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AJIMS & RC) on Saturday, 3 November 2018
Mangaluru: KUACON is back to Mangaluru after 14 years and the final week’s countdown has begun. The Organizing committee had strived hard to make the conference a memorable one. The KUA Council has also tried its best to put together an academic feast to suit the tastes of all its members. A pre-conference workshop on urethral stricture was held on Friday, 2nd November, with eminent faculty, which will immensely benefit all members. The inauguration of KUACON 2018 was held on Saturday, 3 November at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangaluru.
The programme began with a prayer invoking God’s blessing, followed by welcome address by Dr Sunil P Shenoy- Organizing Chairman who said, ” As Organising Chairman of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Karnataka Urology Association, it is my proud privilege to invite you all to the academic event jointly conducted by Department of Urology, A J Hospital & Research Centre and the Mangalore Urology Forum from 2nd – 4th November 2018. Bringing the event back to Mangaluru, 14 years after KUACON 2004 has always been a cherished dream. Mangaluru, as a Temple City, I am sure is not new to our members. The City has however grown by leaps and bounds in the recent past and a revisit will not only kindle past memories but bring to light, its fresh facade with a blend of the modern with the traditional. Over the years, the Association has grown, expectations from conferences have changed and the bar for academic standards has been raised. We shall spare no efforts to make the event a memorable one. So enjoy the conference as best as you can”.
The inauguration by lighting the traditional lamp was done by chief guest Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty-Hon’ble Lokayukta of Karnataka; along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely- Dr A J Shetty- Chairman, Laxmi Memorial education Trust; Dr Ashok Hegde- Dean, AJIMS&RC; Dr S B Patil- Hon President ,Karnataka Urology Association; Dr Nischit D’souza- Hon secretary, Karnataka Urology Association; Dr Chandrashekar Ratkal- President of Association of Southern Urologists; Dr Prashanth Marla K- Organizing Secretary; Dr Sunil P Shenoy; and Dr Pritham Sharma- Co-Organizing Secretary.
Briefing on the conference and Karnataka Urology Association, Dr S B Patil said, “The year 2018 has been a great one for our association. We had a host of academic events held across the state. The mock exam was also very successful and well attended. I am very happy to have a dedicated council and you, members, who take pride in participating and conducting various KUA activities. The 23rd Annual Conference will be a big event. The entire Mangalore Urology Forum along with Dept of Urology, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences have geared up for this event and have worked hard to make it a memorable one. The pre-conference workshop benefited postgraduates and junior consultants. I take pride in welcoming you all to this conference of KUA. Let us all join together to make this conference a success”.
In his inaugural address, Justice Vishwanatha Shetty Justice Vishwanath Shetty addressing the gathering said, ” Address the common man’s need, denial of medical aid is a violation of human rights. The private sector should supplement government efforts. The society contributes to the growth of professionals. This should be repaid. A strong nation depends on healthy citizens. Here the doctor has a role in nation building. Lawyers and doctors have a duty in creating orderly and healthy societies. Consumer for at times have been harsh but higher courts have always protected doctors rights.” he said.. He also touched upon the confidentiality issues in the legal and medical profession and wished the conference all success.
Also speaking on the occasion, Dr AJ Shetty said, “A.J. Hospital & Research Centre (AJHRC) has been a leading advanced tertiary healthcare center of India. We are specialized and providing service to more than 30 major medical disciplines, embracing new technologies to offer high level of healthcare that matches the best in the country. Our institution is designed and built according to international standards to provide world-class healthcare. A modern facility boasting of the latest in equipment and infrastructure, the hospital is headed by a dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, supported by a professional cadre of trained nursing, paramedical staff and hospital administrative staff. With the vision of ‘Quality Health Care for all’, the hospital provides a perfect match between patient needs and medical facilities, delivering quality healthcare at an affordable cost. Our Centre ensures and continues the quality assurance program and is the first in the region to achieve `the coveted NABH accreditation for QCI. Have a great time at the conference, and be our esteemed guests”.
During the occasion, prizes were awarded, and some will be awarded like the – Dilip Adappa Best Paper Award; BMC Best Poster Award; NU Trust Best Video Award; Manipal Best Published Paper Prize; among others. During the three-day conference, eminent speakers will deliver talks on relevant topics pertaining to Urology, and a Pre-Conference workshop on ‘Urethral Stricture Disease and Reconstructive Surgery’ by faculties Dr Ganesh Gopalakrishnan, Dr Deepak Dubey and Dr Arun Chawla was held on 1 November. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Pritham Sharma, and the inaugural programme was compered by Dr Samreen Jaffar, Dr Jithin Jacob Abraham, and Dr Ramya Shetty, all Post Graduates at AJIMS.