Islamabad - Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology in a conference held here from March 4-6 at a local hotel discussed the current investigations and treatment of common liver and digestive system related diseases and problems being faced by gastroenterologist in handling the complexities.
The 32nd conference of the experts discussed at length the current investigations and treatment of common liver and digestive diseases. President Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology highlighted the problems being faced by the gastroenterologist in taking care of digestive disease patients.
He briefed about the current standard of training gastroenterologist in Pakistan. He mentioned about the ways and means to improve young gastroenterologists training Pakistan.
Among the international speakers Professor Carlock discussed the management of stones disease in the gallbladder and common bile duct (a tube which goes from the gallbladder to the small intestine). Dr Saad Niaz discussed the treatment of pancreatitis (inflammation) of the pancreas. He mentioned the need for endoscopic treatment versus conservative management of pancreatic problems. Prof Cihan Yurydaydin from Turkey discussed the management of chronic Hepatitis B. He mentioned about the duration of the treatment and importance eradicating the virus, reversing the damage to the liver and subsequently arresting the progression to liver cancer.
Prof Wasim Jafri discussed the new treatment of Hepatitis C with new pill ‘Sovaldi.’ He appreciated the fast pace development of new oral pills and its implications. He emphasized the quality control about the newly manufactured pills in Pakistan.
In his opinion it is very good step indeed But needs vigilance about quality, efficacy and safety of these local made medicine for Hepatitis C treatment Professor Saaed Hamid  traced the history of hepatitis C treatment and welcomed the new oral combination treatment.
However, he cautioned about haste and excitement about this treatment especially in his judgement it will take some time to have appropriate right combination of all oral pills treatment for hepatitis C.
Brigadier Amjad Salamat, chairman organising committee, emphasised the team work of all doctors in Pakistan is essential to share their expertise and local research in the field of gastroenterology.
Professor Muzzaffar Gill, Chairman scientific committee lauded the role of professor Masood Siddique , Professor Aurangzaib Durrani General Tasawar Hussain and colonel Junaid Saleem to make this conference a successful event especially arrangement of very comprehensive lectures and workshops for  the trainee physician community in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.