Kolkata: With air and noise pollution emerging as major public health challenges, India is witnessing a sharp rise in ENT-related disorders, particularly allergic rhinitis and vertigo. Against this backdrop, the 77th Annual Conference of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI)—popularly known as AOICON 2026—is set to be held in Kolkata from January 8 to 11, 2026, at the Viswa Bangla Convention Centre.
According to experts, India was ranked 5th globally in pollution levels in 2023, a factor that has significantly aggravated allergic conditions. Allergic rhinitis (AR), marked by nasal irritation, inflammation, congestion, sneezing and itching, now affects 20–30% of the population, while studies across 19 Indian states show that 53% of patients with nasal symptoms suffer from AR. Continuous exposure to pollution has also been linked to asthma and a rapid rise in ENT diseases across urban India.
Addressing a pre-conference press meet at the Press Club, Kolkata, Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee, National President of AOI, announced that AOICON 2026 will witness the release of India-specific guidelines for the management of allergic rhinitis, along with medico-legal guidelines for ENT practice. These guidelines have been developed keeping in mind India’s unique environmental conditions, genetic diversity and allergen profiles, offering a more effective alternative to Western protocols currently in use.
The four-day national conference is expected to bring together around 3,000–3,500 ENT specialists from across India and abroad, making it one of the largest academic platforms for otolaryngology in the country. Delegates and faculty from the UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Gulf nations and several European countries will participate, sharing global best practices and recent advancements in ENT treatment and surgery.
Highlighting the academic richness of the event, Dr. Utpal Jana, President of WB AOI and Organizing Chairman, said that a day-long workshop on vertigo—a growing problem affecting nearly 180 million Indians—will be conducted by world-renowned specialists. Additionally, a dedicated facial plastic surgery workshop will focus on cosmetic and reconstructive ENT procedures such as rhinoplasty, earlobe reconstruction and nasal surgeries, with participation from leading national and international experts, including Dr. Ullash Raghavan from the UK, a pioneer in the field.
A series of CME sessions on diverse ENT disorders will also be held throughout the conference, ensuring comprehensive academic engagement for both senior consultants and young practitioners. On the opening day, special workshops will train junior ENT doctors in modern allergy diagnostics, including skin prick and allergy testing, under the guidance of global allergy specialists.
The inaugural ceremony, scheduled for January 9 at 5 pm, will be graced by Mrs. Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe, and Mr. Arup Raha, former Chief of Air Staff, as Chief Guests. Senior ENT professionals Dr. Ajoy Khawas and Dr. Saumendra Nath Bandopadhyay also addressed the media during the pre-conference meet.
Calling the event a matter of pride for both Bengal and Kolkata, the organizers emphasized that AOICON 2026 will not only strengthen India’s leadership in ENT research and practice but also contribute meaningfully to public health awareness amid rising pollution-related diseases. The Association of Otolaryngologists of India, West Bengal (WB AOI), expressed confidence that with the support of doctors, media and the public, this global medical summit will be a resounding success.
