NAMSCON 2026 in Chennai Highlights Role of Science and Technology in Healthcare

Advancing healthcare through scientific innovation, technological progress and interdisciplinary collaboration took centre stage at NAMSCON 2026, the 66th Annual Conference and Convocation of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), hosted by SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SRM MCH&RC) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur.

The four-day event, being held in Chennai from October 8 to 11, has brought together more than 1,400 medical experts, healthcare professionals, researchers and academicians to deliberate on the theme, ‘Synergy of Science and Technology in Healthcare for a Healthier Tomorrow’.

Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, attended the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest. Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor of SRMIST, presided over the event. Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST, and other prominent dignitaries were also present.

The inauguration included addresses by leading figures from the medical and scientific communities, felicitation of the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, and the release of the conference souvenir.

Focus on equitable access to healthcare

Addressing the gathering, Governor Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar emphasised that medical research and scientific discussions must ultimately improve healthcare access for people across the country, particularly those living in remote villages with limited medical facilities.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that advances in medicine translate into meaningful benefits for people who remain underserved by the healthcare system.

Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor of SRMIST, highlighted the importance of bringing different disciplines together to address the evolving challenges of healthcare.

He said SRMIST provides an appropriate academic environment for strengthening the integration of science and technology in healthcare, supported by its multidisciplinary approach to medical education and patient care.

Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST, also underscored the value of interdisciplinary thinking, noting that collaboration across scientific, technological and other academic fields can help address complex challenges.

Medical research and emerging technologies on the agenda

The inaugural session also featured addresses by Dr. Digambar Behera, President of the National Academy of Medical Sciences; Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA); and Dr. Abhijat Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Their participation highlighted the importance of scientific progress, improvements in medical education and stronger collaboration across research institutions.

The scientific sessions at NAMSCON 2026 will examine several critical areas of healthcare, including antimicrobial resistance, CAR-T cell therapy, biosimilars, healthy longevity, rare genetic disorders, pandemic preparedness, diabetes research and innovations in medical education.

Dedicated panel discussions will address the growing role of robotics in surgery, organ donation and transplantation, and new approaches to tuberculosis management.

These discussions are intended to encourage the exchange of scientific knowledge and examine how emerging research and technologies can be incorporated into clinical practice.

Eight workshops offer specialised training

As part of the conference, eight pre-conference workshops were conducted on October 8, covering a range of clinical, research and professional development areas.

The workshops focused on trauma care, neonatal resuscitation, artificial intelligence in clinical research, spine surgery, endoscopic gastroenterology, palliative care, diagnostic reasoning and physician entrepreneurship.

The programme also brings together national experts, senior representatives from AIIMS institutions and specialists from leading medical and research organisations, creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional collaboration.

Prof. (Dr.) R. Jayanthi, Organising Chairperson of NAMSCON 2026 and Dean of SRM MCH&RC, said the conference offers an opportunity to deepen collaboration, inspire young professionals and support meaningful progress in healthcare and medical sciences.

Strengthening the future of healthcare

Through scientific deliberations, expert interactions and cross-disciplinary engagement, NAMSCON 2026 seeks to strengthen the links between medical research, technological innovation and patient care.

The conference underscores the importance of combining scientific expertise with practical healthcare solutions to improve clinical outcomes, expand access to medical services and support the development of a healthier future.