Inkeshaf Ahmed
The 14th Asia Oceania ORL HSN Congress and the 71st National Conference of Otolaryngologists of India has commenced at Telangana state capital Hyderabad.

Dr. B Karunakar Reddy, the Vice Chancellor of Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences inaugurated the five day long event. Speaking on the occasion, he lauded the efforts of the doctors in organizing such a huge international conference while terming it a "platform of great learning". He added that  the event would be a great platform to learn through live surgical workshops.

Dr. Karunakar, who is also a surgeon, recalled how by watching experts in the respective fields he learnt laparoscopy which is a recent advancement.

He noted that the Government of Telangana had initiated the ENT screening program for the entire state. “It is a very good and applaudable initiative as it will record the data of the entire population in the ENT area and steps required for their wellness,” he said.

According to Dr. Manish Gupta, the Organizing Treasurer, the conference showcased at least 10 surgeries related to Ear, Nose and Throat, specially in the area of cochlear implants for the deaf-mute children. Surgeries like rare tumour of the ear known as the Glomus Tumour of the ear and even complicated tumours of the nose besides other complicated cases were showcased as part of the hands-on training program.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. D. Dwarakanath Reddy, Convenor 14th Asia Oceania ORL HSN Congress, said that it is a laudable effort for holding this conference in India as the organizers can showcase to the world how much India has developed since the last Congress and also to demonstrate high level of academic skill which Indians are known for. Such type of conferences are a major glory of the intellectual life of the nation.

Expressing happiness at the large young talent pool in the profession of ENT Dr. Dwarkanath expressed hope of their involvement in the professional association as well. The development of any venture will depend on the ability to input new energies, new ideas and new people, he said, and invited them to attend the various academic programs where they have received large number of contributions from all the areas of ENT and Head & Neck surgery research. He said that the Congress has attracted internationally renowned keynote speakers and has organized symposia and panel discussions with eminent experts. They recalled the contributions of Dr. LHL Hiranandani and Dr. S K Kacker that led to the second Congress being held in India at Hyderabad after the 1987 Asia Oceania which was held in New Delhi.

The participants included a lady from Thailand who had attended the conference 13 out of 14 times. The conference is held once every four years.