The Department of Community Medicine at Agartala Government Medical College organised the 9th IAPSM Northeast Zonal Conference in Agartala on November 13 and 14, bringing together national and regional health experts to discuss One Health, emerging disease threats, mental healthcare and research innovations across Northeast India.
At A Glance
-
AGMC organised the 9th IAPSM Northeast Zonal Conference on November 13–14 under the theme of One Health.
-
Experts discussed HIV, measles, malaria, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance and mental health challenges in Northeast India.
-
NIMHANS released a Mental Health System Assessment report focusing on Northeastern states.
The Department of Community Medicine of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) organised the conference under the theme, “One Health in Action: Resilient Communities and Ecosystems in Northeast India”. The programme brought together medical professionals, researchers, faculty members and postgraduate students from different Northeastern states and other parts of the country.
A pre-conference workshop on November 12 focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and innovations in public health research.
The two-day academic programme provided a platform for specialists to examine emerging health threats, exchange research findings and discuss practical solutions to regional healthcare concerns. A major focus was the interconnected relationship between human, animal and environmental health.
National and State-Level Public Health Experts Attend
Maj Gen Prof. (Dr.) Atul Kotwal, National President of IAPSM, attended the conference as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Dr.) Manish Kumar Singh, Secretary General of IAPSM, and Prof. (Dr.) Brogen Singh Akoijam, President of the IAPSM Northeast Zone, attended as Guests of Honour.
Several senior health officials and medical education experts from Tripura also participated in the event.
They included Prof. (Dr.) H. P. Sharma, Director of Medical Education, Government of Tripura; Dr. Debasree Debbarma, Director of Health Services; and Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine.
Prof. (Dr.) Girish N. Rao of NIMHANS, Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Majumdar, Principal of AGMC, and Dr. Bidhan Goswami, Medical Superintendent of AGMC and GBP Hospital, were also among the distinguished participants.
HIV, Measles and Malaria Feature in Scientific Discussions
The scientific programme addressed a broad range of public health priorities affecting Northeast India. Experts discussed tuberculosis elimination, non-communicable disease control, zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Other important subjects included climate change and its impact on health, digital healthcare transformation, mental health systems, HIV/AIDS, malaria elimination, immunisation, viral hepatitis and tobacco control.
Participants also examined the growing concern over HIV cases in the region. Focal measles outbreaks and strategies to eliminate malaria received attention during the deliberations.
Mental health promotion and the need to strengthen healthcare delivery systems across Northeastern states also featured in the discussions.
The conference highlighted the specific healthcare requirements of tribal communities. Experts stressed the importance of community participation and stronger public health systems to address regional challenges.
The discussions also reinforced the need for evidence-based interventions that consider local health conditions and environmental factors.
NIMHANS Releases Mental Health Assessment Report
One of the significant developments during the conference was the release of a Mental Health System Assessment (MHSA) report focusing particularly on Northeastern states.
Prof. (Dr.) Girish N. Rao, Professor of Epidemiology at NIMHANS and Principal Investigator of the assessment, formally released the report.
The report featured among the important research-related highlights of the conference. Its release brought attention to the need for assessing and strengthening mental health systems across the Northeastern region.
The conference also highlighted two key research initiatives, STaR NCD and RAHAT. These projects formed part of the broader discussions on research, public health interventions and healthcare system improvements.
AI Workshop Explores Research and Public Health Applications
Before the main conference, AGMC organised a workshop on November 12 covering two important areas of public health innovation.
The first session focused on the application of artificial intelligence in research and public health. The second addressed implementation research and innovation in public health systems.
The workshop aimed to provide practical learning opportunities for participants. It also explored how emerging technologies and research-based innovations could support public health practice.
The main conference subsequently featured expert panel discussions, scientific presentations and exchanges of innovative public health practices from different Northeastern states.
A valedictory session and prize distribution ceremony marked the conclusion of the conference on November 14.
AGMC Aims to Strengthen Regional Public Health Collaboration
Prof. (Dr.) Subrata Baidya served as the Organising Chairperson, while Dr. Amar Tripura held the responsibility of Organising Secretary. The organising committee and faculty members of AGMC’s Department of Community Medicine coordinated the event.
The conference aimed to strengthen academic cooperation among medical institutions, encourage regional research networks and promote sustainable, innovative and community-led healthcare interventions.
It also offered Tripura an opportunity to showcase its contributions and initiatives in public health and medical education before a wider national and regional audience.
By bringing together specialists, researchers and healthcare professionals, IAPSM-NEZCON 2026 highlighted the importance of collaborative research and region-specific strategies in addressing the evolving public health challenges of Northeast India.
