Kashmir Pen News Desk
Srinagar, April 19: India is witnessing a sharp rise in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), with a prevalence of 19.3 percent among young women—affecting nearly 44 million individuals nationwide—according to a landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
The study, conducted under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Task Force and coordinated nationally by Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, is being regarded as one of the largest global assessments of PCOS, significantly advancing understanding of the disorder’s scale and complexity.
Experts, however, flagged a more concerning trend in Jammu & Kashmir. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th Annual International Conference of the M.P-PCOS Society at SKIMS, Dr. Yoginder Gupta revealed that nearly 30 percent of women in Kashmir are affected by PCOS—substantially higher than the national average.
He termed the figures “alarming” and called for urgent, multi-sectoral intervention, stressing that PCOS can no longer be treated as an isolated health issue. Dr. Gupta also lauded the pioneering research led by Prof. Ganie, noting that data generated at SKIMS has played a critical role in shaping both national and global perspectives on the disorder, including its medical and social dimensions.
Highlighting broader implications, experts noted that the research has enabled ICMR to undertake multifactorial studies addressing not only clinical aspects but also stigma and societal consequences associated with PCOS.
The two-day international conference, held at the SKIMS Auditorium, brought together leading endocrinologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals from India and abroad to deliberate on the growing burden of PCOS, endocrine disorders, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), now increasingly described as a global epidemic.
Chief Guest Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke, Chair-Elect of the International Diabetes Federation (South-East Asia Region) and President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, observed that PCOS remains a neglected health concern in many countries. She said the scientific deliberations and clinical insights shared at SKIMS would help strengthen healthcare responses in her country.
In his address, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and President of the M.P-PCOS Society, underscored the urgent need for evidence-based policymaking to tackle the rising burden of NCDs. He highlighted SKIMS’ growing academic and research contributions at both national and international levels.
The inaugural session was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof. Nilofar Khan, Prof. Showkat Ahmad Gurcoo, Prof. Fazal Qadir Parray, and Prof. Rukhsana Najeeb, along with faculty members, students, and healthcare professionals.
The conference featured high-level scientific sessions on emerging trends in PCOS, metabolic disorders, and endocrine diseases. International faculty included Dr. Faria Afsana from Bangladesh and Dr. Robin Maskey from Nepal, who shared regional perspectives on managing endocrine health challenges.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where outstanding poster and oral presentations were honoured. Prof. Ganie and other dignitaries commended the organising team for successfully hosting the conference, with special appreciation extended to Organising Secretary Prof. Riyaz A. Misgar | Kashmir Pen
