National Health Conclave 2024

The Department of Medicine Unit IV in collaboration with the Association of Health Professionals of India (AHPI) organised the National Health Conclave 2024 – Lifestyle Medicine – Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives, on 15th and 16th of October, 2024. There were 700 participants (560 in-person and 140 online) and 28 eminent and national-level speakers, chairs and co-chairs. The first day started with a preconference workshop with 89, enthusiastic participants engaging in hands-on physical activity sessions, culinary and peace workshops. The conference started at 2 pm and there were two sessions on exercise and environment.

This was followed by an inaugural function during which Smt. Anju Bobby George, Senior Vice President, Athletics Federation of India addressed the audience as a Chief Guest followed by the release of the book titled: Lifestyle as Medicine. A session followed; portraying the values and ethos of our institution led by the MBBS students after which the dinner for fellowship and networking commenced. The second day of the conference began with a session on Nutrition by Dr. Nihal Thomas, Professor, of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes followed by a session on Mental Health and Social Health chaired by Dr. R. V. Ashokan, National President, IMA and Addressing Digital Health by Dr Manoj Sharma, Professor, NIMHANS.

There was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Pratima Moorthy, Director, NIMHANS and Dr. Alexander Thomas, Patron, AHPI. The day concluded with valedictory session, where the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vinod Paul, Member NITI Aayog. After the conference, a ‘white paper document’ was produced, containing comprehensive policy recommendations for the Government of India. This document will serve as a crucial guide for developing effective strategies to combat NCDs and promote public health.