Local research and creating awareness among the masses about endocrine diseases is the need of the hour and the federal and provincial governments must join hands with the private sector to save Pakistanis as a "sick nation", these were the views expressed by the prominent scholars and doctors from Pakistan and abroad at a two-day symposium organised by Pakistan Endocrine Society.

"Promoting Hormone Health" was the main theme of the symposium and conference which was organised recently here at a local hotel. President of Society Doctor Abbas Raza mentioned the objectives and goals of Pakistan Endocrine Society and achievements in spreading the awareness of hormone disorders and also talked about future initiatives. The speakers stressed the need to promote the understanding of endocrine diseases, its diagnosis, management and available treatment options in our local and national set up of Pakistan.

Professor Hammad Farooqi from UAE spoke on the topic of "Translating Diabetes Care" from guidelines to practice and emphasised that variety of guidelines are issued by international organisations however, it is the discretion of physician to decide which drug is better for which person at given time. This is also stressed by latest 2012 guidelines jointly issued by, American Diabetes Association (ADA) and European Association of Study of Diabetes (EASD).

Professor Muhammad Ahmad from Saudi Arabia talked about the challenges in the management of the cancer. He stressed on the fact that early diagnosis of thyroid cancer is important. Many types of cancers involve thyroid gland, some are very dangerous, spreading very quickly and some are slowly growing.

Professor Zaman Shaikh chairing oral paper session stressed the need for local research in Pakistan. "We need local data than relying on data collected from other countries," he added. Dr Shaikh along with Dr Najmul Islam and Qamar Masood were instrumental in organising this Annual Symposium of the society.

Professor Qamar Masood, Chair of the Scientific Committee, discussed difficult thyroid cases function tests. Dr Khalid Imam said that there are three treatment options for thyroid disorders. Most of the time they are treated with oral drugs but sometimes they need surgery or oral iodine therapy.

Professor Najmul Islam Chair Organising Committee discussed difficult hormone cases along with Professor Abdul Jabbar and Professor Jaweed Akhter, like situation of excessive stress (Cushing's Syndrome)etc. Professor Abdul Jabbar, Dr Ali Jawa, Dr Omar Abdullah , Dr Ayesha Chandna, Dr Aisha Shaikh, Dr Khursheed Khan and Dr Usman also spoke on this occasion.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012