Ranchi emerging as Jharkhand’s medical knowledge hub, says Health Minister Irfan Ansari
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, September 25: Ranchi is steadily emerging as a centre for higher education, medical research and scientific exchange,…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, September 25: Ranchi is steadily emerging as a centre for higher education, medical research and scientific exchange, Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari said while inaugurating the 5th Mid-Term Conference of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) 2026 at Hotel BNR here on Friday.
Describing the presence of around 1,500 ophthalmologists from across the country as a matter of pride for Jharkhand, Ansari said the hosting of the national-level conference in Ranchi reflected the state’s growing academic and scientific capabilities.
He congratulated Dr Bharti Kashyap and Dr B.P. Kashyap for bringing the major ophthalmology conference to Jharkhand and praised their contribution to strengthening medical education and research in the state.
First national-level ophthalmology conference in Jharkhand
The AIOS 5th Mid-Term Conference is being held in Ranchi for the first time under the aegis of the Jharkhand Ophthalmological Society (JHOS).
The conference was inaugurated through the ceremonial lighting of a lamp by Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari, Health Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, Organising Chairman Dr B.P. Kashyap and Organising Secretary Dr Bharti Kashyap.
The three-day conference has brought together more than 1,000 senior and young ophthalmologists, researchers and academics from across the country.
Focus on research, technology and advanced eye care
Addressing the gathering, Ansari said national and international academic conferences provide doctors in Jharkhand with opportunities to remain abreast of the latest research, medical technologies and treatment techniques.
He said the Jharkhand government is committed to strengthening the state’s healthcare system through artificial intelligence, robotic surgery and other modern health technologies.
According to the minister, such academic platforms can encourage research, innovation and continuing medical education, while helping Ranchi and Jharkhand emerge as important centres for medical education and scientific research.
‘Ranchi can become a national academic and scientific hub’
In her welcome address, Organising Secretary Dr Bharti Kashyap said the conference was more than a scientific gathering and represented an effort to expand access to high-level education, research and scientific opportunities beyond major metropolitan centres.
She said the objective of bringing the AIOS conference to Ranchi was to provide young doctors and researchers from the region with greater exposure to national scientific platforms.
Organising Chairman Dr B.P. Kashyap said hosting the national conference in Jharkhand was a matter of pride and would help give the state greater visibility on the national medical education and research map.
National ophthalmology leadership participates
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior members of the All India Ophthalmological Society, including AIOS President Dr Jeevan Titiyal, President-Elect Dr Mohan Rajan, Dr Chitra Ramamurthy and Dr Namrata Sharma.
AIOS National General Secretary Dr Santosh Honavar conducted the proceedings.
Senior and young ophthalmologists from Jharkhand, including Dr Jakhanwal, Dr Sujoy Samanta, Dr Pritish Pronoy, Dr N.D. Mishra, Dr Vibhuti Kashyap and Dr Nidhi Gadkar, also participated.
Several experts for their contributions to medicine and research were honoured with scientific awards during the inaugural programme.
Advanced surgical techniques on conference agenda
The scientific programme featured sessions on some of the latest developments in ophthalmology, including refractive surgery, cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and complex eye disorders.
Among the key sessions were “Just Cases”, featuring case-based discussions on challenging eye conditions, and a masterclass on “Refractive Surgery – Beyond 20/20”, led by Dr Rohit Shetty and Dr Bharti Kashyap.
A special NIC (Nucleus-Iris-Cornea) masterclass and the video-based “Unplanned Cut” session focused on managing unexpected complications during surgery.
Young ophthalmologists get dedicated platform
A “Deferred Live Surgery” session featured Dr Nidhi Gadkar Kashyap of Jharkhand alongside leading ophthalmologists from across the country.
The conference also hosted a Scientific Jodi Competition, bringing together teams of ophthalmologists from different states and national organisations.
Under the Dr R.P. Tandon Extramural Oration, Dr Priya Narang delivered a lecture on “Wavefront-Guided Pinhole Pupilloplasty.”
The “Pearls of Wisdom” sessions allowed senior faculty members to share practical surgical experience and clinical insights on phacoemulsification, corneal transplants, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
More than 100 young doctors participated in the interactive Fishbowl Session at Hall Regency.
The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of advanced medical and surgical knowledge and strengthen the capabilities of ophthalmologists so that safe and modern eye care becomes more accessible to patients in Jharkhand.
