CHENNAI, August 2026:
The inaugural Indian Chest Congress 2026, the 1st Annual National Congress of SPICE India (Society for Pulmonology, Interventions, Critical Care and Sleep), concluded today at IIT Madras Research Park, Taramani, Chennai, bringing together leading respiratory specialists, clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across India to advance the future of respiratory and chest medicine.
Held on August 29 and 30 under the theme “Precision Pulmonology for a Resilient India,” the congress served as a national platform for scientific exchange, clinical learning and collaboration, with Kauvery Hospital as the Institutional Partner.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Thiru. N. Anand, Honourable Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources, Tamil Nadu, as Chief Guest; Thiru. Dr. Darez Ahamed, I.A.S., Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, as Guest of Honour; and Thiru. Dr. H.V. Hande, Former Health Minister of Tamil Nadu and Padma Shri Awardee 2026, as Special Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Thiru. N. Anand emphasised the importance of prevention, regular screening and early detection of respiratory diseases, particularly in rural communities, and highlighted the role of Primary Health Centres and healthcare workers in identifying symptoms early and ensuring timely treatment.
Thiru. Dr. Darez Ahamed stressed the need for stronger government-private sector collaboration to address India’s burden of COPD, tuberculosis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. He also called for greater expertise in interventional pulmonology and critical care across medical colleges and district hospitals, along with integrating COPD care into the public health system.
The scientific programme covered key areas including COPD and asthma, tuberculosis and post-TB lung disease, interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer, air-pollution-related disorders, sleep medicine, critical care, pulmonary rehabilitation and advanced interventional pulmonology. Emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital health, precision medicine, minimally invasive procedures, ECMO and lung transplantation were also explored through expert sessions and hands-on workshops.
Speaking at the congress, Dr. Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan, Organising Secretary, Indian Chest Congress 2026 and President, SPICE India, said the congress aimed to bridge scientific innovation with the realities of Indian healthcare by promoting knowledge-sharing, empowering young clinicians and translating advances into accessible and meaningful patient care.
A special highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the presentation of the ‘Gift of Life Crystal’ to two lung transplant donor families, recognising their extraordinary contribution to organ donation and raising awareness about the life-saving impact of transplantation.
The congress also recognised distinguished contributions to respiratory and thoracic medicine through Lifetime Laureate and Legacy of Service Awards, besides featuring special orations on tuberculosis and interstitial lung diseases.
The successful conclusion of the two-day congress marks the beginning of a continuing national platform focused on strengthening clinical capabilities, fostering collaboration and shaping the future of respiratory care in India.