Srinagar: Dedicated diagnostic facilities must reach remote and far flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure timely treatment and improved healthcare outcomes, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday while inaugurating APCON 2025 at Government Medical College Jammu.
Addressing the 73rd Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists along with the International Academy of Pathologists Indian Division, he said equal access to diagnostics remains key to modern healthcare delivery.
He called for public and private sector collaboration to strengthen laboratory infrastructure and reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment.
“Building a modern healthcare system that improves the quality of life for all citizens is a primary goal,” he added.
The 5-Day annual conference on the theme “Emerging Trends in Pathology: From Morphology to Molecular Insights,” has brought together leading pathologists and microbiologists to deliberate on the latest advancements and innovations shaping the field of pathology.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the need to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analysis into diagnostic processes for accuracy and speed and to strengthen the bridge between Science and Medicine.
“Healthcare system must focus on enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing time to treatment. Mainstreaming the Precision Medicine approach through advanced diagnostic tests is crucial. Labs should develop modern infrastructure to transform data into clinical insights for doctors,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor made valuable suggestions for developing preventative strategies and improving public health.
“First, empower the pathology field with cutting-edge advancements and develop standard protocols for patient treatment through multidisciplinary research.
Secondly, identify and bridge gaps in educational programs by developing new training modules.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the healthcare sector has seen historic transformation. He urged all stakeholders to work together to expand digital records and the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) facility to remote areas and link smaller health centers with larger labs for expert advice.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu; Dr Usha Kini, President Indian Association of Pathologists & Microbiologists (IAPM); Dr. Reeni Mallik, Vice President IAPM; Dr. Ranjan Agarwal, Honorary Secretary, IAPM; office bearers of IAPM and International Academy of Pathologists-Indian Division (IAP-ID), Pathologists and Medical Professionals attended the inaugural session.
