“A Multidisciplinary Approach is Key to a Healthier Tomorrow”: Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRMIST at NAMSCON 2026

Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, graces the inauguration of the 66th Annual Conference and Convocation of NAMS

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), bringing together leading medical professionals, researchers and academicians from across the country.

Being held from October 8 to 11 in Chennai, the four-day conference is centred on the theme ‘Synergy of Science and Technology in Healthcare for a Healthier Tomorrow’. With over 1,400 medical experts and healthcare professionals participating, the conference provides a platform to exchange knowledge, foster research collaborations and explore innovations shaping the future of healthcare.

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

Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, 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, 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, said: “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, NAMS; Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA); and Dr. Abhijat Sheth, Chairman, National Medical Commission (NMC), highlighting the importance of scientific advancement, medical education and collaborative research.

The scientific programme will cover emerging priorities in healthcare, including antimicrobial resistance, CAR-T cell therapy, biosimilars, healthy longevity, rare genetic disorders, pandemic preparedness, diabetes research and medical education innovations. Panel discussions will explore robotics in surgery, organ donation and transplantation, and evolving approaches to tuberculosis management.

Eight pre-conference workshops held on October 8 provided focused training in trauma care, neonatal resuscitation, artificial intelligence in clinical research, spine surgery, endoscopic gastroenterology, palliative care, diagnostic reasoning and physician entrepreneurship.

The conference also features a distinguished line-up of national experts, senior leaders from AIIMS institutions and other leading medical and research organisations.

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

Through scientific discussions, expert interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration, NAMSCON 2026 aims to strengthen the connection between research, technology and clinical practice, advancing a shared vision for a healthier tomorrow.