The 5th South Asian Regional Conference of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (SARCD V) was held at Lahore along with the 26th Annual National Conference of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists from 14th to 18th November. Inspite of the adverse political climate prevailing in the country, many delegates from far and wide had gathered and had fruitful deliberations during the five - odd days. Delegates from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, UAE, Bulgaria, Nigeria, UK and USA and many other neighboring countries attended the conference. There is a famous saying locally that "If you have not visited Lahore, then life is not worth living". The total number of delegates including the local Pakistan dermatologists was about 750.
Though the Pakistan government had cleared more than 70 visas for the Indian delegates, due to the delay in confirmation of the same, there was large number of drop-outs at the last minute. Dr.K.K.Rajababu, President, SARAD, Dr.S.Sacchidanand, Secretary General, and SARAD along with Dr.Amarkant Jha Amar (Patna), Dr.Navneet L Sharma (Meerut), Dr.Lakshman K Rao (Bangalore) and Dr.Syed Sohail (Aligarh) attended the conference. Many confirmed speakers were conspicuously absent.
Contrary to the belief and the make-believe situation created by the media and the general anxiety amongst Indian delegates to attend the conference, Lahore was very peaceful and friendly, no untoward incidents occurred during the conference. Life was being carried on as normal as usual and there were no signs of any "emergency" whatsoever!! The conference was held at the most famous and elite Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore and the facilities were excellent.
The most striking feature of the conference was the "hospitality" extended to each and every Indian delegate. Dr.K.K.Rajababu, President, SARAD did mention in his Presidential speech that this was one of the best SARCD conference held so far. The hospitality had to be experienced to believe it. Dr.Amarkant Jha and Dr.N.L.Sharma delivered lectures at the conference. Dr.K.K.Rajababu and Dr.S.Sacchidanand and Dr.N.L.Sharma and Dr.Amarkant Jha chaired sessions. Dr.A.K.Bajaj (Allahabad) was conferred the "Life time achievement award" for his role in enrolling IADVL in SARAD's fold and his unitiring efforts and active part in its various activities.
In general, the scientific content of the conference was of high standard and many contemporary and latest issues were discussed. The delegates expressed satisfaction about the topics selected. In all there were three workshops one each one Mesotherapy, Hair transplantation and Lasers. About 100 free papers and around 60 posters were on the display. Invited lectures by faculty from UK, USA and other nations were appreciated.
The participation by the Pharmaceutical companies was a point to be noted. They were involved in every activity of the conference and they were moving around, keeping in mind every minute detail that needs to be attended to for the sake of the delegates. The lunches and dinners hosted were grand and variety of Pakistani food was served to satiate the taste buds. The social events show-cased the rich culture of Pakistan and every one in the audience enjoyed it to the core.
Four member delegation led by Dr. Mahesh Shah, President SODVELON had participated the Fifth SARCD Conference held at Lahore from Nov.!4-!8 2007. The other SODVELON members include Dr.A.K.Jha, Dr.D.B.Pokhrel and Dr. H.N.Gupta. The Fifth SARAD Executive Committee was elected during this Conference. Prof. Badr Dhanani of Pakistan was elected President, Dr. Anil. K. Jha was elected as Vice President, Prof. S.A.F.Kazmi as Secretary General and Dr. H.N.Gupta as treasurer for the third consecutive time. Dr. Anil K. Jha and Dr. Dinesh Binod Pokhrel from SODVELON chaired the scientific sessions in this conference.
The Inaugural function was held at "Aiwan-e-Iqbal" and the Chief Guest was none other than Mr.Iqbal Mohammad Chaudary, the Hon'ble Health Minister of Punjab province. The evening dinner had the Governor of Punjab, Gen (Rtd) Khaleed Maqbool joining the delegates and the invited guests and mixing around freely. Dr.Amarkant Jha read out the message sent by the Hon'ble Health minster of Bihar, Sri. Chandramohan Rai. Overall the experience was one of attending a great conference and those who have missed it, have missed something in their life!! Myself and Dr.K.K.Rajababu along with the other Indian delegates thank the Organisers especially Dr.Syed Atif Hasnain Kazmi, the Organising Chairperson, Dr.S.M.Azam Bukhari, the Organising Secretary, Dr.Iqbal Tareen, President of Pakistan Association of Dermatology and Dr.Badr. S.Dhanani, the Secretary of PAD for their organisational skills and unforgettable hospitality.
The conference ended with handing over the reins of SARAD to Dr.Badr.S.Dhanani (President of SARAD for the term Nov. 2007 to Nov. 2009), Prof Anil Jha (Vice - President, SARAD) and Dr.Syed Atif Hasnain Kazmi (Secretary General, SARAD).
Minutes of the Executive body meeting
held on 15 th November 2007,
at Hotel Pearl Continental, Lahore
(On the occasion of 5th SARCD & 26 th PAD's Annual National Conference)
1). Dr.K.K.Rajababu, President, SARAD called the meeting to order. He welcomed all the Executive body members from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangla Desh.
2). Dr.S.Sacchidanand, Secretary General, SARAD read out the minutes of the Executive body meeting held at Chennai, India during the 35 th DERMACON. The circulated minutes was accepted and passed.
3). Dr.S.Sacchidanand, Secretary General, SARAD read out the Secretary's report for the period October 2005 to November 2007. He mentioned about the conduct of 2 EC meetings one at Hyderabad, India during 2 nd Feb 2006 and the second at Chennai, India on 25th January 2007. The 4th SARCD was conducted at New Delhi during January 2005 along with the 33rd DERMACON. Dr.V.K.Upadhyaya & Dr. Vijay K.Garg President & Organising Secretary of 4th SARCD and 33rd DERMACON have contributed a sum of INR Rs. 5,00,000/- to SARAD funds. It was approved and passed.
4). Dr.Hari Narayan Gupta, Treasurer, SARAD read out the Treasurer's report and it was approved and passed. He mentioned that SARAD had only two sources of income. One was by the subscription amount paid yearly by the member nations (USD 50 per year) and the savings out of SARCD.
He appealed to the Office-bearer's of PAD and BDS to pay the subscription dues. SLAD & SODVELON have paid upto 2007. The subscription for the period 2007 – 2009 for IADVL was paid by Dr.S.Sacchidanand in cash.
5). SARAD Exchange fellowship program:
A lot of discussion took place as regards to the implementation of this program. Though it was accepted in principle two years ago, it was yet to be implemented. Dr.K.K.Rajababu, reminded that IADVL has already ear-marked INR RS. 40,000/- every year for hosting one young dermatologist selected by each host country. The selected candidate will be taken care for a period of one month and free accommodation would be provided.
It was also resolved to take this forward, by initiating and recognizing one or more (upto a maximum of four) "centres for training" of young dermatologists. Dr. Atif Kazmi and Dr.Badr.S.Dhanani , Dr.W.D.H.Perera & Dr.Mahesh Shah agreed to look into this matter.
Dr.S.Sacchidanand, while inviting everyone to attend the 37th DERMACON during January 2009 at Bangalore, India, mentioned that he would invite and sponsor (except travel) one young Dermatologist nominated from each SARAD member association. The selected candidates would be given registration waiver and free accommodation during the conference.
6). Teledermatology:
Dr.Anil Kumar Jha, briefed the goals and difficulties in implementing this program. He said positive steps has been taken to ensure the speedy implementation of the program and he assured that by the time of 6 th SARCD this would definitely take shape.
It was also decided to start some Yahoo group or lsimilar group for interaction amongst the Executive committee members. The registration of the website (Teledermatology) was entrusted to Dr.Anil Kumar Jha.
7). Transfer of funds from 4th SARCD, New Delhi
Dr.S.Sacchidanand, Secretary General mentioned that it was not possible to transfer INR. Rs. 5,00,000/- obtained from the organizers of 4 th SARCD, New Delhi directly to Khatmandu, (where the headquarters of SARAD is situated) due to some technical and procedural hitches. The members suggested and requested SLAD to help transfer of funds. The money is currently under the custody of IADVL. Dr.W.D.H.Perera said that he would discuss this with the executives of SLAD and need at-least two weeks time to work out the modalities of transfer of funds.
8). Election of office-bearer's for 2007 – 2009
a). PAD (Pakistan) Dr.Badr.S.Dhanani was elected as President of SARAD, Dr.Atif Hasnain Kazmi as Secretary General and Dr.Iqbal Tareen, President of PAD as an EC member from Pakistan.
The names of the other Executive Committee members are as follows:
b). IADVL (India): Dr.Chetan Oberai, Dr.Suresh P. Joshipura and Dr.Koushik Lahiri
c). SODVELON (Nepal): Dr.Anil Kumar Jha (Vice-President nominee), Dr.Hira Mana Pradhan and Dr.Hari Narayan Gupta
d). SLAD (Sri Lanka): Dr.J.K.K.Seneviratne. Dr.J.K.W.Akarawita (Joint-Secretary nominee), and Dr.(Mrs.) Iyanthi Abeywickrama
e). BDS (Bangladesh): Prof. A.K.Md. Shahidul Islam, Prof. M.N.Huda & Dr.Mohammad Eakub Ali
9). Election of Treasurer:
Dr.K.K.Rajababu, President SARAD, proposed the name of Dr. Hari Narayan Gupta to be continued as Treasurer for another two years term. It was seconded by SODVELON members and accepted.
10). Dr.V.B.Rajbhandari, Kathmandu, Nepal would continue to be the co-ordinator between SARAD and SAARC office situated in Kathmandu. It was also pointed out that due to his efforts, SARAD has received recognition till 2010.
11). Venue for 6th SARCD:
As per rotation it would be the turn of SODVELON, Nepal to host the 6th SARCD. The proposal was put up by the President and Secretary General and it was accepted. Dr.Mahesh Shah, President, SODVELON formally accepted to host the conference during Oct – Nov 2009 at Khatmandu, Nepal.
12). 5th SARCD:
Dr.K.K.Rajababu, appreciated and placed on record the excellent organization and hospitality of the Organisers of 26 th PAD & 5th SARCD and Office-bearer's of PAD. He also appealed that 10% of the savings of the conference should be handed over to the Treasurer at the earliest.
12). Vote of thanks:
Dr.S.Sacchidanand, Secretary General, proposed the vote of thanks.
P.S.:- An Emergency EC meeting was held with the available members of SARAD EC on 17th Nov 2007 at 8,00 PM to disucss about the transfer of 4th SARCD savings to SARAD account at Khatmandu, Nepal, It was decided to permit the Treasurer of SARAD, Dr.Hari Narayan Gupta to open a INR SARAD account in any major bank in Khatmandu to enable smooth transfer of funds from IADVL to SARAD. The constitution of SARAD will be amended to that effect in the next EC meeting.
Dr.K.KRajababu Dr.S.Sacchidanand
President Secretary General
Later at the General Body Meeting held the following were elected for the Fifth Executive Committee of SARAD.
Fifth Executive Committee of SARAD
- President----------------------------Dr.Badr.S.Dhanani (Pakistan)
- Vice-President---------------------- Dr.Anil Kumar Jha (Nepal)
- Secretary General------------------- Dr.Atif Hasnain Kazmi (Pakistan)
- Treasurer---------------------------- Dr. Hari Narayan Gupta (Nepal)
- Joint Secretary---------------------- Dr.J.K.W.Akarawita (Sri Lanka)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.Iqbal Tareen (Pakistan)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.Chetan Oberai ( India)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.Suresh P. Joshipura (India )
- Member----------------------------- Dr.Koushik Lahiri (India)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.Hira Mana Pradhan (Nepal)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.J.K.K.Seneviratne. (Sri Lanka)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.(Mrs.) Iyanthi Abeywickrama (Sri Lanka)
- Member----------------------------- Prof. A.K.Md. Shahidul Islam (Bangladesh)
- Member----------------------------- Prof. M.N.Huda (Bangladesh)
- Member----------------------------- Dr.Mohammad Eakub Ali (Bangladesh)