The 7th KMA-IDF Oration – 2017 was delivered yesterday at the Al-Baraka ballroom, Crowne Plaza hotel by renowned cancer surgeon from Bengaluru (India) Dr. Moni Abraham Kuriakose to an audience of Indian and Kuwaiti doctors.
H.E. Shri. Sunil Jain, ambassador of India to Kuwait, Dr. Mrs. Gargi Jain and Dr. Mohamad Al-Mutairi, President of the KMA were chief guests.
Dr. Moni (as he is fondly called) outlined the problem of oral cancer in India and demonstrated by his own research and experience that by harnessing technology, particularly mobile telephony and networking, cancer care can be made cheap, affordable and accessible to patients. This was followed by a lively session of question and answer.
Dr. Gautam Hebbar (MoC) began the proceedings by asking everyone to rise while the Kuwaiti and Indian national anthem played. Dr. Surendra Nayak gave the welcome address.
KMA President Dr. Al Mutairi said few words of encouragement about IDF. Dr. Abhay Patwari, President, IDF introduced the speaker to the audience. Dr. Renu Gupta, Vice President, IDF proposed a vote of thanks. At the same function two senior IDF members who were leaving Kuwait were felicitated.
Farewell plaques were presented to Dr. Ramadevi Wani and Dr. Annie Roy Cherian by Dr. Abhay Patwari along with all office bearers.
Dr. Moni delivered two more lectures today: one at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center and the other at the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University. Dr. Juzer Ali, Asit Mohanty and Dr. Mohan Ram made excellent arrangements at the KCC in the absence of Dr. Ramesh Pandita. Dr. Renu Gupta and Dr. Grace Alex co-ordinated the lecture at the Faculty.
Former President of the Kuwait University Abdul Latif Al-Badr attended the lecture and was very impressed. Both the lectures were very well received.
KCCC director Dr. Ahmed Al Awadhi expressed his desire to have long-term collaboration in the field of cancer care with Dr. Moni and his team. Dr. Moni extended an invitation to Dr.Awadhi to visit his center in Bengaluru. On the whole, the KMA-IDF oration seems to have achieved its objective of showcasing Indian medical talent and encouraging collaboration between the two countries in the field of medicine.
We are hopeful that such activities will ultimately improve Indo-Kuwait friendship.