New Delhi, Sep 7 (KNS): Kashmiri gastroenterologist, hepatologist and advanced therapeutic endoscopist Dr Hameed Raina has won the first prize in the Plenary Paper Presentation category at ENDOCON 2026, the national conference of the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI).

The conference was held in New Delhi from August 28 to 30 and brought together gastroenterologists, hepatologists, advanced endoscopists and researchers from across the country.

Raina was recognised for his research on Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Liver Biopsy (EUS-LB), in which he evaluated the modern minimally invasive technique against conventional percutaneous liver biopsy.

His study assessed diagnostic adequacy, tissue quality, safety, adverse events, post-procedure pain and patient satisfaction, highlighting the potential of EUS-guided liver biopsy as a less invasive approach while maintaining diagnostic standards, according to details shared by the organisers.

The award marks national recognition for Raina's work in the field of interventional endoscopic ultrasound, which is an expanding area of advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Raina's clinical and academic work includes interventional EUS, complex ERCP, third-space endoscopy, including peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), advanced endoscopic resection, bariatric endoscopy and endoscopic anti-reflux therapies.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Reacting to the honour, Raina said he was proud to represent Kashmir on a national scientific platform and dedicated the recognition to his parents, family, teachers, mentors, colleagues and research team.

"Alhamdulillah, this is one of the most special moments of my academic journey. As a Kashmiri, it gives me immense pride to represent Kashmir on such an important national scientific platform," he said.

Raina said his parents' prayers, sacrifices and support had been the foundation of his journey and also expressed gratitude to his wife, children, siblings, teachers, mentors, colleagues and research team.

"Above all, I dedicate this achievement to the people of Kashmir. I hope recognitions like these inspire our younger generation to pursue excellence in medicine, science and research," he said.

He added that advances in medical research should ultimately translate into better patient care, with the focus on safer, less invasive and more effective treatment.(KNS)