About the programme
Trained endoscopy technicians are genuinely limited in number and availability nationally, and their skill directly affects how efficiently and safely gastroenterologists can perform both routine and advanced endoscopic procedures. This programme trains technicians from foundational basics through to assisting complex, advanced therapeutic procedures — not just diagnostic endoscopy assistance — under the guidance of the same consultant gastroenterologists who provide day-to-day patient care.
What makes this training centre credible
The Department of Gastroenterology at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad was established in 2004 and has grown to 13 consultant gastroenterologists — described as the largest such team among corporate hospitals in the state. Under Dr. Sreekanth Appasani, the department has been recognised as a National Skill Development Centre by ERBE for Third Space Endoscopy & Advanced Gastroenterology, a specific, verifiable designation from a recognised medical device manufacturer, not a general marketing claim.
Eligibility & selection
- Candidates must have completed and passed their 12th-grade examinations
- Nursing background, and science or technical background graduates, are given preference
- Applications are submitted through the hospital portal, followed by an interview-based selection process
Faculty
| Faculty member | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr. Sreekanth Appasani | Consultant Interventional Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist |
| Dr. Bharath Kumar Ayapati | Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Advanced Therapeutic GI Endoscopy |
| Dr. Spoorthi Kolla | Consultant Interventional Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist |
| Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam | Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Therapeutic Endoscopist |
| Dr. Koushik Chavalla | Junior Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist |
| Dr. Ramesh Uddarraju | Junior Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist |
| Dr. Venkatesh Pabbisetti | Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist |
Link each name to that doctor's profile page.
Programme structure: how the two years unfold
- Months 1–6: lectures and observation in the endoscopy unit
- Months 7–12: hands-on learning, assisting procedures alongside qualified technicians
- End of year 1: a theory examination assesses proficiency before progressing
- After clearing theory: a full year of paid internship (stipend provided)
- End of internship: a practical examination assesses performance and technical competency
- Throughout: trainees maintain a log-book, audited quarterly
- On successful completion: awarded the Endoscopy Technician qualification
What's taught: didactic teaching
Fortnightly lectures cover the basics of endoscopic anatomy, physiology, pathology, endoscopy technique, electrocautery, and accessories.
What's taught: procedures
- Diagnostic endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy
- Therapeutic procedures: dilatation, banding, sclerotherapy, polypectomy, clip application, hemostasis, PEG placement, argon plasma coagulation
- ERCP (biliary and pancreatic): cannulation, sphincterotomy, dilatation, stenting, stone extraction
- SpyGlass cholangioscopy
- Manometry — technique, maintenance, and reporting
- Endoscopic ultrasound: diagnostic and therapeutic, including FNAC, celiac plexus block/neurolysis, and cystogastrostomy
- Third-space endoscopy assistance
- Endoscope and endoscopy machinery maintenance
- Endoscopy recording and reporting software management
Hospital duties during training
- Daily clinical work in the endoscopy department, on a rotational shift basis
- Two standard shift patterns: 8am–4pm and 10am–6pm
- Trainees are expected to attend and assist emergency on-call procedures alongside the on-call technician
Fees & payment
- Total course fee: ₹1 lakh, paid as ₹50,000 per year over the two years
- Payable to the KIMS Hospitals account via cheque, demand draft, or online transfer — cash is not accepted
- Payments are made annually at the start of each year; part payments are not accepted
Accommodation, food & transport
- Trainees get access to the hospital canteen, with food cards provided (cost borne by the trainee)
- Trainees must make their own arrangements for stay and transport
After completion
KAGE has stated an intent to try to accommodate qualified graduates within the hospital chain where a suitable position exists and the candidate is agreeable. This should be presented as a stated intention rather than a guaranteed placement.
Where this programme sits
This is one of two programmes run under Academics at KAGE; the other, the EUS Short Term Fellowship, is a two-week hands-on course for practising gastroenterologists. Both draw on the same faculty and the same procedure lists. To apply now, or to check eligibility before you do, contact the academics team.
Frequently asked questions
What qualification do I receive at the end? A certified Endoscopy Technician qualification, awarded after successfully completing the theory examination, the stipend-paid internship year, and the final practical examination.
Yes — after clearing the year-one theory examination, trainees complete a full year of internship with a stipend.
Everything from basic diagnostic endoscopy and colonoscopy through to advanced therapeutic procedures including ERCP, SpyGlass cholangioscopy, and EUS-guided interventions — see the full procedure list above.
₹1 lakh total, paid as ₹50,000 annually at the start of each year, via cheque, demand draft, or online transfer to the KIMS Hospitals account. Cash and part payments are not accepted.
Yes — trainees are expected to attend and assist emergency on-call procedures alongside the on-call technician, in addition to standard rotational shift work.
The department provides access to the hospital canteen with food cards (at the trainee's own cost), but trainees are responsible for arranging and funding their own stay and transport.
KAGE has stated an intention to try to accommodate qualified graduates within the hospital chain where a suitable position exists, subject to the candidate's agreement — this is a stated intention, not a guaranteed placement.
Applications are submitted through the hospital portal, followed by an interview-based selection process.
Book a consultation at KAGE
Speak to a KAGE gastroenterologist about your symptoms, your diagnosis, or a second opinion.