Pan India Gastro Enterology Research Study group launched at Digestive Diseases conference

Pan India Gastro Enterology Research Study Group (PAGERS), which would enable multi-centric studies in digestive diseases, was launched at the 14th International Digestive Diseases Conference that got under way in the city on Saturday. The three-day conference and live Digestive Endoscopy Workshop (DEW) were organised by MedIndia Hospitals and Academy.

T.S. Chandrasekar, founder chairman and Chief Gastroenterologist, MedIndia Hospitals and Academy and organising chairman, DEW 2026, said medical institutions and clinicians from places like Chandigarh, Kozhikode, Bhubaneswar, and Bengaluru, would be part of the collaborative national research platform. The PAGERS group would collate data and take up multi-centric studies in digestive diseases, including Pancreatitis.

With an aim to strengthen Gastroenterology research, studies would be carried out on subjects, including increase in obesity, fatty liver, and inflammatory bowel disease to help early diagnosis, prevention, and develop guidelines for the digestive diseases, said Dr. Chandrasekar.

Two advanced diagnostic equipments –Urea Breath Test and Antro-Duodenal Manometry- were launched by Zameer Pasha, Chairman, Association of Surgeons of India (T.N. chapter) and R. Ravi, president, Indian Society of Gastroenterology (T.N. chapter) at the conference.

The Urea Breath Test, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, would be crucial for detecting helicobacter pylori infections that cause ulcers and gastritis in the stomach . The other equipment, Antro-Duodenal Manometry, used to assess the strength of gut muscles contractions, would help diagnose motility disorders. The launch of services would support early detection and reduce healthcare burdens, added Dr. Chandrasekar.

R. Balajinathan, chairman, Association of Physicians of India (T.N. chapter) and P. Ganesh, past president, Indian Society of Gastroenterology (T.N. chapter) also participated.