Agartala : The Department of Community Medicine, Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC), Tripura, successfully organised the 9th Northeast Zonal Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM-NEZCON 2026) on November 13 and 14 at the KLS Auditorium of AGMC, Agartala. A pre-conference workshop was also organised on November 12, focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.
The central theme of this year’s conference was “One Health in Action: Resilient Communities and Ecosystems in Northeast India.” The conference brought together eminent public health experts, medical professionals, researchers, academicians and postgraduate students from across the Northeastern states and other parts of the country to exchange knowledge, share innovative practices and discuss emerging public health challenges.
The inaugural programme was attended by Maj. Gen. Prof. (Dr.) Atul Kotwal, National President of IAPSM, as the Chief Guest, while Prof. (Dr.) Manish Kumar Singh, Secretary General of IAPSM, attended as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished dignitaries included Prof. (Dr.) Brogen Singh Akoijam, President, IAPSM Northeast Zone; Prof. (Dr.) H. P. Sharma, Director of Medical Education, Government of Tripura; Dr. Debasree Debbarma, Director of Health Services; Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine; Prof. (Dr.) Girish N. Rao of NIMHANS; Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Majumdar, Principal, AGMC; and Dr. Bidhan Goswami, Medical Superintendent, AGMC and GBP Hospital.
The scientific sessions covered a wide range of important public health issues, including tuberculosis elimination, non-communicable diseases, zoonotic infections, antimicrobial resistance, climate change and health, digital healthcare, mental health, HIV/AIDS, malaria elimination, immunisation, viral hepatitis, tobacco control and public health ethics. Special emphasis was placed on the unique healthcare challenges of Northeast India, particularly tribal health, community participation and strengthening regional healthcare systems.
The pre-conference workshop held on November 12 focused on two major areas: the application of Artificial Intelligence in research and public health, and implementation research and innovation in public health systems. The sessions provided participants with opportunities for practical learning and explored the role of emerging technologies in improving healthcare delivery.
During the conference, participants deliberated on several pressing public health concerns in Northeast India, including the rising number of HIV cases, focal measles outbreaks, malaria elimination strategies and mental health promotion. Key research initiatives, including STaR NCD and RAHAT, were also highlighted.
A significant highlight of the conference was the release of the report on the Mental Health System Assessment (MHSA), with special focus on the Northeastern states. The report was released by Prof. (Dr.) Girish N. Rao, Professor of Epidemiology at NIMHANS and Principal Investigator of the assessment.
The two-day academic event concluded with a valedictory session and prize distribution ceremony, recognising the contributions and achievements of participants.
Prof. (Dr.) Subrata Baidya, Organising Chairperson, and Dr. Amar Tripura, Organising Secretary, along with the organising committee and faculty members of the Department of Community Medicine, AGMC, coordinated the conference.
The conference is expected to strengthen academic collaboration, promote regional research networks and encourage innovative, sustainable and community-driven approaches to public health. It also provided an important platform to showcase Tripura’s contributions to public health and medical education at the regional an
d national levels.
