The 14th annual conference of Indian Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology was held at Visakhapatnam from 19th April to 21st April in collaboration with the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre and Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Visakhapatnam. The theme of the conference was Benchmarking Cervical Cancer, Prevention and Screening.
It was well attended with 252 delegates and 111 faculty from all over India and neighboring countries. International faculty included 5 from Bangladesh, UK, France and Bhutan.
Three workshops were conducted on the first day. A full day workshop on colposcopy with lectures, video demonstrations, case discussions and demonstration of procedures on workstations was well attended and much appreciated by all the delegates. Two half-day workshops dedicated to cervical cytology, HPV testing and screen and treat covered all aspects related to screening and management of pre-cancerous lesions. A special emphasis was made on screening in rural areas. The inaugural function was held in the evening of 19th April. The vice chancellor of NTR University, Dr. C. V. Rao, was the chief guest. Other dignitaries like the CEO of NTR Health Trust and the Principal of Andhra Medical College graced the occasion. The ISCCP president, Dr. Saritha Shamsundar, secretary Dr. Sweta Balani and IFCPC secretary general Dr. Neerja Bhatla delivered messages. The screening activities from different zones of India were reported. The inaugural oration on FOGSI Roadmap in Cervical Cancer Prevention was delivered by Dr. Alpesh Gandhi, FOGSI president 2020. The stalwarts of ISCCP and students who completed the training in colposcopy were honored. The function ended with a music concert and a gala dinner.
The main conference on the second and third day covered various aspects of screening, vaccination, recent advances and strategies for cervical cancer elimination in the form of lectures and panel discussions. These gave an insight into evidence-based practices with active participation from all the attendees. Quiz competitions were held for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Oral papers and e-posters were adjudged. A special competition from posters on public awareness was organized. The ISCCP oration in memory of Dr. S. K. Das was delivered by The Legend Dr. R. Sankaranarayanan on the topic My Journey with Cervical Cancer. The highlight on day three was a beach-walk to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention. The GVMC commissioner, Mr. Hari Narayanan flagged off the walk at Kali Mata Temple, RK beach. Several voluntary organizations also took part actively in the walk with skits and road shows.
A trade exhibition included exhibitors of colposcopy instrumentation, Girijan corporation, saree hub and earthoholics. Books on colposcopy were also exhibited.
The conference concluded with a warm valedictory function. All the delegates and faculty carried home pleasant memories of the conference and Visakhapatnam along with a slice of the local flavors, scenery and culture.
Photos of the Conference can be viewed or downloaded by clicking the button below.
Dr. D. Leela, Organising Secretary, ISCCP 2019