Kolkata | January 8, 2026:
The 77th Annual Conference of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI), popularly known as AOCICON 2026, commenced today at the Viswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata, marking one of the most significant global gatherings in the field of ENT medicine. The four-day conference will continue until January 11, 2026.
Recognised as the largest platform for otolaryngologists in India, AOI represents super-specialist doctors dedicated to the treatment and prevention of diseases related to the ear, nose, and throat. This year’s edition of AOCICON has drawn an impressive 4,000 delegates from across India and abroad, including experts from the UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Gulf nations, and several European countries, reinforcing its stature as a premier international medical summit.
Distinguished Inaugural Ceremony
The conference was formally inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in healthcare.
The occasion was graced by Mr. Arup Raha, former Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force, as the Chief Guest, and Mrs. Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe, as the Guest of Honour.
Prominent medical leaders present included Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee, National President of AOI; Dr. Shankar Medican, former National President; Dr. Yogesh Debholkar; Dr. Utpal Jana, Organising Chairman and President of AOI West Bengal; Dr. Snehasis Barman, Organising Secretary of AOCICON 2026; and Dr. Soumendra Nath Bandopadhyay, along with several renowned ENT specialists from across the country.
Lifetime Achievement Awards & Key Publications Released
During the inaugural programme, four eminent ENT specialists—Dr. Dulal Bose, Dr. Vijayendra, Dr. Devindra Raj, and Dr. Arunabha Sengupta—were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field.
Additionally, the conference witnessed the release of a souvenir and two important medical publications:
- Indian Guideline for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
- Medico-Legal Guide for the Treatment of ENT Diseases
Focus on Pollution-Induced Allergic Rhinitis
With India ranked 5th globally in pollution in 2023, experts highlighted the alarming rise in allergic rhinitis (AR) cases linked to environmental pollution. Medical data presented revealed that 20–30% of the population is affected by AR, while 53% of patients with nasal symptoms were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis across 19 Indian states.
Given its growing prevalence and impact on quality of life—manifesting as nasal irritation, inflammation, congestion, sneezing, and itching—allergic rhinitis has emerged as a central theme of AOCICON 2026. Multiple workshops and scientific discussions are being conducted, alongside the launch of updated national treatment guidelines.
Advanced Workshops and Global Expertise
Other major focus areas of the conference include vertigo management and cosmetic facial surgery. Notably, Dr. Ullash Raghavan, a pioneer in facial plastic surgery, has travelled from the United Kingdom to lead an exclusive hands-on workshop.
Over the four-day event, the conference will host scientific sessions, panel discussions, and training workshops covering the latest advancements and modern treatment protocols for a wide range of ENT disorders.
AOCICON 2026 stands as a landmark event, fostering global collaboration and advancing evidence-based ENT care to meet emerging health challenges in India and beyond.
