Bihar Chief Minister Inaugurates Prestigious National Medical Conference in Patna
Patna witnessed a significant moment in India's medical landscape as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar officially inaugurated the 81st annual conference of the Association of Physicians of India (APICON 2026) on Thursday. The grand opening ceremony took place at the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre, marking a historic return of this premier medical gathering to Bihar after nearly two decades.
State Leadership and Distinguished Gathering
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his deputies, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary. In a symbolic gesture celebrating medical scholarship, CM Kumar released books authored by eminent doctors from across the country during the inauguration ceremony.
The conference has drawn an impressive assembly of nearly 10,000 doctors from various states across India, converging in Patna for this four-day intellectual extravaganza. The event schedule is packed with over 500 presentations, workshops, and scientific sessions designed to advance medical knowledge and practice.
A Historic Achievement for Bihar's Medical Community
Dr. Kamlesh Tiwari, the organising secretary, emphasized the significance of hosting APICON 2026 in Bihar. "After nearly two decades, Bihar has once again had the opportunity to host this prestigious national medical conference, which represents a historic achievement for the state's medical, academic and social sectors," he stated proudly.
Dr. Tiwari outlined the conference's comprehensive agenda, which will focus on several critical areas:
- Latest medical research and breakthrough studies
- Modern treatment protocols and clinical best practices
- Technological innovations in healthcare delivery
- Major public health issues and community medicine
"APICON 2026 aims to provide a common platform for physicians to exchange knowledge, research and clinical experience. In addition, the conference will promote public awareness on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles and improved healthcare practices," Dr. Tiwari explained, highlighting the event's dual focus on professional development and public health education.
First-Day Proceedings and Specialized Activities
The inaugural day featured specialized workshops conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), providing hands-on training and skill enhancement opportunities for attending physicians. Simultaneously, Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes unfolded at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, featuring multiple educational formats:
- Expert lectures by leading medical authorities
- Interactive panel discussions on contemporary medical challenges
- Engaging Q&A sessions for direct knowledge exchange
- Round-table discussions fostering collaborative problem-solving
Comprehensive Scientific Agenda Ahead
In the coming days, the main scientific sessions will delve into numerous medical specialties, ensuring comprehensive coverage of internal medicine and its subspecialties. The conference will feature dedicated tracks on:
- Cardiology and cardiovascular diseases
- Gastroenterology and digestive health
- Neurology and nervous system disorders
- Nephrology and kidney-related conditions
- Rheumatology and autoimmune diseases
- Geriatric medicine focusing on elderly care
- Haematology and blood disorders
- Infectious diseases and emerging pathogens
- Other crucial areas of internal medicine practice
National Significance and Expert Perspectives
Dr. Atul Kumar, a member of the organising committee, described APICON as their annual flagship event where "senior physicians share their expertise and discuss topics that were previously unexplored in medical research." This emphasis on cutting-edge discussions and knowledge dissemination underscores the conference's role in advancing India's medical landscape.
His colleague, Dr. Ranjan Kumar, highlighted the scale of the gathering, describing it as "the biggest conference of doctors in the country," emphasizing its national importance and the unique opportunity it presents for Bihar's medical fraternity to engage with nationwide expertise.
The successful inauguration of APICON 2026 in Patna represents not just a medical conference, but a milestone in Bihar's healthcare narrative, bringing together thousands of medical professionals to collectively advance the standards of medical practice, research, and public health awareness across India.
