J&K Association of Chest Physicians launched

Srinagar, Jul 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Chest Physicians (JKACP) was formally launched on Thursday in an event marked by enthusiastic participation from faculty, clinicians, and postgraduate students from across Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh.

A statement of JKACP issued here said that among those who attended the event included Mohammad Yusuf Kawoosa (JKACP President), Dr Parvez Koul (former Director SKIMS), Dr Muzaffar Mirza (former HoD Chest Medicine GMC Srinagar), Dr Rajendra Singh (former Principal GMC Jammu), Dr Shamsuddin (former HoD Chest Medicine GMC Srinagar), Dr Naveed Nazir Shah (HoD Chest Medicine GMC Srinagar and founding member), Dr Sanjeev Kumar Narang  (JKACP Vice President), Dr Mir Faisal (Treasurer), Dr Khurshid, Professor Chest Medicine GMC Srinagar, Dr Sonullah Prof and Head internal Medicine SKIMS, Dr Nazia Mehfooz, Associate Professor Pulmonary Medicine SKIMS, Dr Shumail Head Department of Chest Medicine, GMC Baramulla, Dr Manik HoD Pulmonary Medicine GMC Kathua, Dr Abhinav, and Dr Rajeshwar.

The proceedings began with a warm welcome by Dr Naem, one of the core members of the organising committee. He greeted guests, colleagues, and members from across J&K and emphasised the inclusive and collaborative spirit with which the association has been formed.

He expressed hope that the JKACP would serve as a vibrant platform for professional unity, academic growth, and public health advocacy.

Dr Mir Faisal, Treasurer and currently acting General Secretary, traced the association’s origins from an informal concept to a formally registered body.

He recalled early efforts starting as far back as 2018, the delays caused by political transitions and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relentless perseverance by a small but dedicated group.

Dr Faisal made special mention of Dr Naveed Nazir for his unwavering leadership and commitment, which proved pivotal in navigating legal, procedural, and institutional hurdles.

Head of the Department of Chest Medicine at Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, provided a detailed background on the association’s formation.

He elaborated on the immense administrative, legal, and logistic efforts required, ranging from faculty signature campaigns to overcoming regulatory bottlenecks.

He emphasised that the mission of JKACP is not merely the formation of a society but a robust platform to promote respiratory health, foster academic exchange, enable research, and support young professionals in pulmonology.

The website of JKACP was formally inaugurated by Prof Muhammad Yusuf Kawoosa, the senior-most faculty member present and the elected president of the association.

The event included a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate this significant milestone.

The association felicitated several founding members and key contributors with certificate of appreciation to all executive members which include Dr Sanjeev Kumar Narang  (Vice President); Dr Mir Faisal (Treasurer); Dr Shamim (Executive Member); Dr Naem (Member); Dr Rajendra Singh (Executive Member) and Dr Mohammad Yousuf Kawoosa, President.

The most poignant moment of the evening was the felicitation of senior faculty members, in recognition of their lifetime contributions to pulmonary medicine in Jammu and Kashmir.

Each was honoured with a shawl, a certificate of appreciation, and a memento, symbolising deep respect and gratitude.

The awardees included Dr Parvez Koul, former Director SKIMS and Head of Internal and Chest Medicine, acknowledged for his exemplary service and encouragement to young physicians.

Dr Rajendra Singh, former Principal, GMC Jammu and Head of Chest Medicine, celebrated for his tireless dedication and energy.

Prof Shamsuddin, revered senior faculty, for his lifetime service to the field.

Dr Muzaffar Mirza, former Head of Chest Medicine, GMC Srinagar, appreciated for his supportive leadership and guidance.

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof Mohammad Yusuf Kausar for his extraordinary vision and decades of dedication to the speciality.

In their addresses, senior faculty members shared words of wisdom and laid down a roadmap for the association’s growth. Dr. Parvez Koul, former Director SKIMS, lauded the formation of the Jammu & Kashmir Association of Chest Physicians as a “historic step” towards advancing pulmonary care in the region. He emphasised the need for expanding educational outreach to rural and underserved areas, fostering research on locally prevalent respiratory diseases, and mentoring young physicians to lead the speciality forward.

“More lamps mean better light,” he said, urging collaboration with national and international bodies to strengthen the association’s impact.

He assured the executive body of his continued guidance and wished them success in their journey. Prof. Parvez Koul stressed expanding education and outreach to rural and underserved areas.

Prof Shamsuddin reflected on the evolution of pulmonary medicine in J&K and urged young specialists to carry forward the legacy.

Dr Sonullah from SKIMS underscored the importance of community-based care and high-quality research for national and international recognition.

Junior faculty members contributed thoughtful insights about making JKACP an inclusive and dynamic body.

Dr Shumaila from Baramulla emphasised inclusivity, transparency, and wider participation.

Special note of gratitude was extended to Gulzar and the technical and financial team, including CA Shafia, for their instrumental work.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Shamim, who acknowledged the contribution of every individual involved and expressed hope for the association to emerge as a beacon of progress and cooperation in respiratory medicine across J&K.

The formation of JKACP is a landmark step in organising and empowering chest physicians of Jammu and Kashmir.

The association aspires to become a dynamic platform for education, research, and service in the field of pulmonary medicine.