Srinagar, Apr 19: India is witnessing a significant rise in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), with a 19.3 percent prevalence among young women, impacting nearly 44 million individuals nationwide, according to the world’s largest study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study was conducted under the Indian Council of Medical Research Task Force and represented by Prof M Ashraf Ganie as National Coordinator, marking a major global contribution to understanding the scale and complexity of PCOS.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th Annual International Conference of the MP-PCOS Society at SKIMS, DrYoginder Gupta highlighted that Kashmir faces an even greater challenge, with nearly 30 percent of the population affected by PCOS, indicating a disproportionately high regional burden.
Dr Gupta emphasised that such alarming figures call for collective, multi-sectoral action, stating that PCOS can no longer be addressed in isolation.
He commended the pioneering research led by Prof Muhammad Ashraf Ganie, noting that the extensive data generated at SKIMS has been instrumental in shaping national and global understanding of the disorder, including its medical and social implications.
He further noted that the research has enabled the Indian Council of Medical Research to undertake multifactorial studies, addressing not only clinical aspects but also the stigma and broader societal consequences associated with PCOS.
The two-day international conference, hosted at the SKIMS Auditorium, brought together leading national and international experts to deliberate on the growing burden of PCOS, endocrine disorders, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly being termed a global epidemic.
The Chief Guest, DrManilkaSumanatilleke, Chair Elect International Diabetes Federation (South East Asia Region) and President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association and the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka, highlighted that PCOS remains a neglected health issue in several countries.
He noted that exposure to the scientific sessions and clinical research at SKIMS has provided valuable insights, which he intends to take back to strengthen healthcare responses in her country.
In his address, Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and President of the MP-PCOS Society, outlined key dimensions including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the societal role in addressing PCOS, and SKIMS’ contributions through research and clinical excellence.
He emphasised the need for evidence-based policymaking and highlighted the institute’s growing academic stature at national and international levels.
The inaugural session was attended by prominent dignitaries including Prof Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir; Prof Showkat Ahmad Gurcoo; Prof FazalQadirParray; and Prof RukhsanaNajeeb, along with faculty, students, and healthcare professionals.
The two-day conference host high-level scientific sessions, with leading endocrinologists and researchers discussing emerging trends in PCOS, metabolic disorders, and other endocrine diseases that are increasingly impacting populations globally.
The other international faculty who participated in the event inludedDrFariaAfsana Associate Prof and Head Department of Endocrinology BIRDEM General Hospital and Ibrahim Medical College Bangladesh and Dr Robin Maskey Prof Department of Medicine Dharan, Nepal.
The conference concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where the top three poster presentations and three oral presentations were honoured with awards. Prof M Ashraf Ganie, along with other distinguished dignitaries and guests, appreciated the organising team for the successful conduct of the event.
Special commendation was extended to the Organising Secretary, Prof Riyaz A Misgar.
