NAMSCON 2026 Inaugurated at SRMIST; Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam Calls for Equitable Access to Healthcare

Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRMIST, highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to advancing healthcare at the 66th Annual Conference and Convocation of NAMS

Kattankulathur, October 9, 2026: SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SRM MCH&RC), SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, hosted the inaugural ceremony of NAMSCON 2026, the 66th Annual Conference and Convocation of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India). The event brought together eminent medical professionals, researchers, academicians and healthcare leaders from across the country to discuss scientific advancements and emerging technologies shaping the future of healthcare.

Being held in Chennai from October 8 to 11, the four-day conference is centred on the theme ‘Synergy of Science and Technology in Healthcare for a Healthier Tomorrow’. With more than 1,400 medical experts and healthcare professionals participating, NAMSCON 2026 provides a national platform for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement in medical sciences.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, as the Chief Guest. Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRMIST, presided over the event in the presence of Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST, and other distinguished dignitaries. The programme included addresses by eminent leaders, felicitations and the release of the conference souvenir.

Addressing the gathering, Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, emphasised the importance of making healthcare accessible to every citizen, particularly those in underserved regions. He said, “All our efforts, all our research, all our deliberations and debates should be directed towards the person sitting or standing in the remotest village of our country, who is yet to receive medical facilities.”

Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRMIST, underscored the role of multidisciplinary education and collaboration in advancing healthcare. He said, “SRM Institute of Science and Technology is the right place to strengthen the synergy of science and technology in healthcare for a healthier tomorrow through a multidisciplinary approach to medical education and patient care as it is a multidisciplinary university.”

Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST, highlighted the need to embrace interdisciplinary thinking across fields, stating, “The power of interdisciplinary thinking is something we need to embrace not only in science and technology but also across other interdisciplinary fields.”

The inaugural session also featured addresses by Dr. Digambar Behera, President, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS); Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA); and Dr. Abhijat Sheth, Chairman, National Medical Commission (NMC). Their addresses highlighted the importance of scientific advancement, quality medical education and collaborative research in strengthening healthcare systems.

The scientific programme at NAMSCON 2026 will explore a wide range of emerging healthcare priorities, including antimicrobial resistance, CAR-T cell therapy, biosimilars, healthy longevity, rare genetic disorders, pandemic preparedness, diabetes research and innovations in medical education. Panel discussions will address key areas such as robotics in surgery, organ donation and transplantation, and evolving approaches to tuberculosis management.

As part of the conference, eight pre-conference workshops were conducted on October 8, offering focused training in trauma care, neonatal resuscitation, artificial intelligence in clinical research, spine surgery, endoscopic gastroenterology, palliative care, diagnostic reasoning and physician entrepreneurship. These workshops provided opportunities for participants to engage with specialised techniques, emerging technologies and contemporary clinical practices.

The conference also brings together a distinguished line-up of national experts and senior leaders from AIIMS institutions and other leading medical and research organisations, facilitating dialogue on advancements in clinical practice, research and healthcare delivery.

Prof. (Dr.) R. Jayanthi, Organising Chairperson, NAMSCON 2026, and Dean, SRM MCH&RC, highlighted the broader significance of the conference, saying, “It is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, encourage young minds, and promote meaningful advancements in healthcare and medical sciences.”

Through scientific deliberations, expert interactions, practical training and interdisciplinary collaboration, NAMSCON 2026 seeks to strengthen the connection between research, technology and clinical practice. The conference reinforces the shared commitment of the medical and scientific communities to advancing innovation, improving patient care and building a healthier tomorrow.