Dr D Nageshwar Reddy founder of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad has been conferred with prestigious ‘Master of World Gastroenterology Organisation (MWGO) Award 2013’ in China.

Dr Reddy is not only the founder and head of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) but he is also the chairman of World Endoscopy Organisation Research Committee. With this award, Dr Reddy has been recognised for his impeccable contributions in the field of gastroenterology, particularly for his research in gall bladder stones and in genetics of chronic pancreatitis.

The MWGO award is a recognition given once in four years. Earlier it was given to elderly gastroenterologists. This time they have given it to relatively younger people who can shed light on the emerging problems in the world.

“Today India has become the major center for gastroenterology problem as more than 30 per cent of gastroenteritis cases related to intestines, gall bladder, pancreas and the stomach are seen in the country every year. In fact these diseases can be prevented if detected in the early stage. To eradicate them from the root all we need is to have hygienic living conditions. Having a vaccine will also help in mitigating such gastroenteritis diseases,” says Dr Nageswar Reddy.

Nageshwar Reddy was presented the award at the world conference on gastroenterology held in Shanghai in China, which was attended by around 10,000 gastroenterologists from across the world.

The award is given to a very select group of gastroenterologists once in every four years and this year it was awarded to Nageshwar Reddy from India and Dr Joseph J Y Sung from Hong Kong. Nageshwar Reddy is the only gastroenterologist to receive this award from India.

The Masters of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) award is the highest honour WGO can bestow on a member and is granted only to those individuals who have provided outstanding dedication to the mission of the WGO and achieved distinction in areas such as research, teaching, service to WGO and the community at large.

The Masters of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) Award is a capstone career award and is given in conjunction with each World Congress of gastroenterology.

Recipients of the Masters of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) Award will receive an engraved plaque to be presented at the General Assembly and all Masters of the WGO use the title ‘Master of the WGO’ and the letters ‘MWGO’ in conjunction with their respective names.