SHILLONG, Feb 21: The Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI), Northeast Chapter, hosted its 1st Annual Conference – SGEI 2026 at Windermere Resorts, Shillong, bringing national expertise in therapeutic endoscopy to the region.
The inaugural conference held recently marked a milestone for the young chapter, drawing 18 eminent speakers from premier institutions across India and attracting nearly 200 delegates, alongside around 60 faculty members. The strong participation underlined the rapid expansion of gastroenterology services and academic engagement in the Northeast.
Led by President Dr. Rangksan Singh Thangkhiew — regarded as the first therapeutic endoscopist in Northeast India — along with Vice President Dr. Amitava Goswami, General Secretary Dr Arup Choudhary, Joint Secretaries DDrBhaskar J. Baruah and Dr Hitesh Kalita, and Treasurer DDrRoshan Agarwala, the conference focused on cutting-edge advancements in minimally invasive GI care.
The scientific sessions reflected the growing sophistication of endoscopic practice in the region. Discussions ranged from Zoom Endoscopy and Artificial Intelligence in Endoscopy to Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), management of GI perforations and non-variceal GI bleed, pancreatic malignancy, GERD management, and Hepatitis B decision-making challenges. Advanced therapeutic procedures such as Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) were also highlighted, alongside a high-impact panel discussion on “Obstructive Jaundice” and interactive clinical case deliberations.
Speaking at the conference, DrDrhangkhiew emphasized that the Northeast is poised for a major leap in specialised GI services.
“The Northeast region has immense potential in the field of gastroenterology and therapeutic endoscopy. Through this conference, we aimed to bridge academic gaps, bring national expertise to our region, and empower local practitioners with the latest advancements in minimally invasive GI care. This is just the beginning of a sustained academic movement in the Northeast,” he said.
He added that the broader vision is to ensure patients in the region receive world-class endoscopic treatment without having to travel outside the Northeast — a long-standing challenge for many families.
The conference was organised by the SGEI Northeast Chapter with support from the Gastro & Liver Foundation of Meghalaya and Supercare Hospital, Shillong.
, Northeast Chapter, hosted its 1st Annual Conference – SGEI 2026 at Windermere Resorts, Shillong, bringing national expertise in therapeutic endoscopy to the region.){kind=link}