AFMC Pune to Host ARMEDiCON 2026: A Premier Military Medical Conference
The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune is set to host ARMEDiCON 2026, the 74th Annual Armed Forces Medical Conference, from February 4 to 6, 2026. This multispecialty medical conference represents the largest platform for professional interaction and academic exchange among medical, dental, and nursing personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Leadership and Guidance
The three-day conference is being organized under the guidance of Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Director and Commandant of AFMC Pune and Colonel Commandant of the Army Medical Corps. The event is envisaged as a landmark in the continuum of medical excellence, with Maj Gen Atul Seth, Dean and Deputy Commandant of AFMC, providing additional oversight.
Distinguished Participants and Agenda
Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), will serve as the chief guest. The inaugural session will feature a keynote address by Lt Gen Pratik K Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. The conference will include:
- Scientific sessions, workshops, and panel discussions on contemporary healthcare challenges and emerging opportunities.
- Contributions from renowned healthcare experts such as Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at the World Health Organisation and former Director General of ICMR.
- Participation from senior military medical leaders, including Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Surg Vice Adm Kavita Sahai (DGMS Navy), Lt Gen Vineet Sharma (DGDS and Colonel Commandant, Army Dental Corps), Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja (DGMS Air), and Surg VAdm Anupam Kapur (DGHS AF).
Conference Objectives and Impact
ARMEDiCON 2026 aims to present recent scientific advances, innovations, and best practices in healthcare. The outcomes are expected to benefit both the Armed Forces and the civilian healthcare system. Over the years, ARMEDiCON has evolved into a pivotal forum for:
- Strategic planning and critical evaluation of medical practices.
- Effective translation of medical research into clinical and operational practice.
- Strengthening the national healthcare ecosystem through deliberations that address the unique healthcare requirements of the Armed Forces.
Additional Strategic Platforms
In addition to the scientific deliberations, ARMEDiCON 2026 will provide a strategic platform for meetings of key institutional bodies, including:
- The Armed Forces Medical Academic Committee (AFMAC)
- The MJAFI Governing Council
- The AFMC Management Committee
This comprehensive approach ensures that the conference not only fosters academic exchange but also drives institutional decision-making and policy formulation in military healthcare.
