Kolkata, 29 October 2026: Kolkata is set to become a major centre for discussions on respiratory healthcare as the Indian Chest Society (ICS) prepares to host the 28th National Conference of the Indian Chest Society (NAPCON 2026) from 30 October to 1 November. The three-day prestigious conference will be held at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar, bringing together leading pulmonologists, respiratory physicians, medical researchers, academicians and national and international experts to discuss the latest advancements in pulmonary medicine.
The conference, themed “Advancing the Future of Respiratory Medicine,” will focus on emerging medical technologies, innovative treatment approaches, scientific research and multidisciplinary respiratory healthcare. The inauguration ceremony will be held in the presence of Dr Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, and Dr Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports and Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal. Several prominent office-bearers of the Indian Chest Society will also attend, including Dr A G Ghoshal, Chief Patron, ICS NAPCON 2026 Kolkata; Dr Raja Dhar, Organising Chairman; Dr Amita Nene, National Secretary; Dr G C Khilnani, National Scientific Chair; Dr Indranil Halder, Organising Secretary; and Dr Rakesh Chawla, President of the Indian Chest Society.
A comprehensive scientific programme will form the backbone of the conference, featuring keynote addresses, expert-led sessions, workshops, symposia, debates and panel discussions across multiple halls. Major areas of focus will include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, tuberculosis, drug-resistant tuberculosis, interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer. Experts will discuss advanced diagnostic techniques, emerging therapies, biologic treatments for severe asthma, antifibrotic medicines, molecular testing and the latest developments in interventional pulmonology. Special attention will also be given to respiratory disease patterns in India and South Asia, highlighting the need for region-specific clinical guidelines and treatment protocols rather than relying solely on Western healthcare models.
Technology and innovation will be another major highlight, with dedicated discussions on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in respiratory medicine, including the use of AI in X-ray interpretation and CT-based lung nodule analysis. The conference will also examine the ethical challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence into clinical decision-making. In a significant initiative, a specialised workshop on Disaster Management and Climate Crisis will address the impact of floods, cyclones, heatwaves, wildfires, industrial accidents and severe air pollution on respiratory health. With eastern India and the Bengal delta particularly vulnerable to environmental challenges, discussions will cover emergency preparedness, mass casualty management, oxygen and ventilator supply, and the treatment of patients exposed to smoke, dust and hazardous chemicals.
Beyond clinical research and advanced treatment, NAPCON 2026 will also focus on critical care, acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), non-invasive ventilation, pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep disorders and respiratory infections. An Allied Health Programme, along with patient-centric activities and interactive expert discussions, will further strengthen the conference’s multidisciplinary approach. Through this extensive scientific platform, the Indian Chest Society aims to promote international knowledge exchange, encourage collaborative research and strengthen respiratory healthcare practices. NAPCON 2026 Kolkata is expected to provide an important opportunity for medical professionals to explore emerging challenges, share scientific insights and shape the future of respiratory medicine in India and beyond.
