National Public Health Conference culminates in Srinagar with Resounding success, uniting experts across India for IAPSMCON 2025

SRINAGAR: The 52nd Annual National Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON 2025) concluded today here, marking the successful culmination of a three-day event. The conference, organized by the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine of Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar brought together public health experts and professionals from across India.

The event, held from April 11 to 13, saw enthusiastic participation from more than 1,270 delegates, along with 32 co-delegates from all 32 states and Union Territories, including remote regions such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The national level conference was inaugurated by Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah in a ceremonial opening that set the tone for an enriching academic discourse. 

He was joined by several key dignitaries, including Dr. Annarao Kulkarni, National President of IAPSM; Dr. Purushottam Giri, Secretary General of IAPSM; Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Specialties, University of Kashmir; Prof. (Dr.) S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine and Conference Chairman; and Dr. Inaamul Haq, Associate Professor and Organizing Secretary of IAPSMCON 2025.

In his keynote address, Dr. Shah emphasized the importance of integrative healthcare approaches, advocating for the convergence of preventive and curative strategies to build resilient and inclusive health systems. His remarks highlighted the evolving nature of healthcare, calling for a unified vision that places public health at the heart of national development.

Prof. (Dr.) Iffat underlined the critical role played by public health in guiding policy and ensuring community welfare. She commended the efforts of GMC Srinagar in advancing the cause of preventive medicine and fostering a culture of academic excellence and community service.

A poignant moment of the conference came with the posthumous conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Prof. Muneer Ahmad Masoodi, a former Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar. His legacy was honored through the presence of Ms. Zeenat Masoodi, who accepted the award on his behalf.

The academic program commenced with six intensive pre-conference workshops on April 10 at GMC Srinagar, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the conference’s central theme, “Integrative Approaches for Comprehensive Care in One Health”, resonating with the slogan “One Nation, One Health, One World.” 

Over the subsequent days, the event transformed into a vibrant academic forum featuring a remarkable range of sessions, including 11 plenary discussions and 11 keynote addresses from distinguished national and international public health leaders. Scientific engagement was at the forefront of the conference, with a total of 561 presentations spanning award papers, oral presentations, and posters. These sessions unfolded across six parallel venues—five physical halls and one virtual—with select hybrid sessions held in the main auditorium. 

Among the many highlights was the presence of Prof. B.N. Gangadhar, President of the National Medical Commission (NMC), who engaged in critical discussions with health professionals and shared insights on much-needed reforms in the healthcare system and medical education landscape. The closing ceremony, held on today, was graced by Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty, Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, who served as the chief guest. In his address, he reaffirmed the indispensable role of public health in nation-building and called for sustained investment in community health and preventive strategies. 

Joining him at the valedictory function were Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmad, Director General of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, as guest of honour, along with senior faculty members, department heads, and administrative officers from GMC Srinagar and IAPSM.

As IAPSMCON 2025 came to a close, it left behind a strong message of collaboration, innovation, and a unified commitment to fortifying the future of preventive and social medicine in India. The conference not only celebrated the achievements of the past but also laid a firm foundation for addressing the emerging challenges of healthcare through integrative and inclusive solutions.