Dr. Tashi Motup Kaysar, Senior Laparoscopic Surgeon at SNM Hospital, Leh, represented Ladakh, SNM Hospital and India at the joint World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery and Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery (WCES-JES 2026) Scientific Congress held in Yokohama, Japan, from September 2 to 5.

Dr. Tashi presented a scientific study titled “H. Pylori Infection and Incidence of Stomach Cancer in Ladakh,” focusing on regional epidemiological patterns, high-altitude healthcare challenges and the need for clinical surveillance.

The congress brought together more than 2,000 delegates, surgeons and academic leaders from across the world to exchange knowledge and experience in minimally invasive, robotic and AI-assisted surgery. Participants explored multi-platform robotic surgical systems, including Intuitive and Medtronic Hugo RAS, as well as 3D endoscopy, and took part in hands-on simulator training.

Dr. Tashi highlighted the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its strong association with gastric malignancies in Ladakh. He also discussed challenges related to healthcare delivery and clinical screening in the region.

Speaking about the conference and his participation, Dr. Tashi said, “Medical science and public healthcare are of no meaning without knowledge updates. Equipment and infrastructure do not carry any meaning without judicious utilisation and optimised application of knowledge.”

He stressed the need to prioritise continuous healthcare updates and professional development in Ladakh, on a par with other areas of public importance such as winter sports, marathons and festivals.

As part of the congress, Dr. Tashi participated in hands-on robotic surgical console simulation and engaged in academic discussions and procedural technique exchanges with surgeons and delegates from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The event also provided opportunities for international professional networking and camaraderie, including participation in community activities such as the congress “Run for Fun.”