Chandigarh, 4 October 2026: The Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, successfully organized the 22nd North Zone ISA Conference (NZ-ISACON 2026) from 1st to 4th October 2026 in Chandigarh.
PGIMER Chandigarh Hosts 22nd North Zone ISA Conference
Four-Day Conference Held from 1–4 October 2026
The four-day academic conference was organized by the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The event focused on education, skill development, academic exchange and hands-on training in the fields of anaesthesia and critical care.
Over 400 Healthcare Professionals Participate
More than 400 anaesthesiologists, nursing officers, technicians, trainees, police personnel and other healthcare professionals participated in the conference.
NZ-ISACON 2026 Focuses on the Future of Anaesthesia
Theme — “Gen X to Gen Z Alpha: Shaping the Future of Anaesthesia”
The conference was held under the theme “Gen X to Gen Z Alpha: Shaping the Future of Anaesthesia.” The theme highlighted the evolving practices, technologies and future direction of anaesthesia and critical care.
Academic Exchange, Skill Development and Hands-On Training
The academic programme included expert lectures, panel discussions, interactive academic sessions, scientific presentations and practical training sessions aimed at improving knowledge and clinical skills.
Conference Organised Under PGIMER Leadership
Dr. Kajal Jain Leads as Organizing Chairperson
The conference was organized under the leadership of Dr. Kajal Jain, Organizing Chairperson and Head, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Dr. Jeetinder Makkar Serves as Organizing Secretary
Dr. Jeetinder Makkar, Professor, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, served as the Organizing Secretary of NZ-ISACON 2026.
Pre-Conference Workshops Focus on Emergency Response and Patient Safety
Training for Nursing Officers, Technicians and Police Personnel
The programme commenced on 1 October 2026 with a series of pre-conference training workshops conducted for nursing officers, technicians and police personnel.
Practical Sessions on Resuscitation and First Response
The workshops focused on practical skills related to emergency response, resuscitation, patient safety and first response, helping participants strengthen their ability to manage critical situations effectively.
Scientific Conference Features Expert Lectures and Academic Sessions
National and International Faculty Participate
The two-day main scientific conference was held at The Lalit, Chandigarh, and featured participation from a distinguished panel of nationally and internationally renowned faculty from across the globe.
Panel Discussions, Scientific Presentations and Interactive Sessions
The scientific programme included expert lectures, panel discussions, interactive academic sessions, scientific presentations and discussions on contemporary and emerging developments in anaesthesia and critical care.
NZ-ISACON 2026 Promotes Research and Professional Collaboration
Platform for Young Researchers and Trainees
The conference provided a platform for research, academic exchange and professional collaboration among healthcare professionals from across the North Zone.
Young researchers and trainees were encouraged to showcase their scientific work through presentations and academic competitions.
Five Focused Masterclasses for Early-Career Physicians
Five focused masterclasses were also scheduled during the two-day programme, specifically designed for early-career physicians to enhance their clinical and academic skills.
Presidential Addresses, Orations and Keynote Session
ISA National President Dr. Naveen Malhotra Delivers Presidential Address
The conference featured presidential addresses by ISA National President Dr. Naveen Malhotra, providing insights into current and future developments in the field of anaesthesia.
Dr. G.L. Kamra and Dr. Pritam Singh Orations
The academic programme also included the prestigious Dr. G.L. Kamra Oration and Dr. Pritam Singh Oration.
Prof. Manoj Kumar Karmakar Delivers Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Manoj Kumar Karmakar from Hong Kong, who is internationally recognised for his pioneering research in regional anaesthesia and is ranked among the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide.
Distinguished Guests Attend NZ-ISACON 2026 Inauguration
Ms. Prerna Puri Attends as Chief Guest
Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary Education, Chandigarh Administration, graced the inaugural function as the Chief Guest.
Prof. Dr. Ravneet Kaur Joins as Guest of Honour
Prof. Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Director Principal, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Dr. Rupinder Bakshi, a distinguished member of the Punjab Medical Council, who extended her support to the academic initiative.
Punjab Medical Council Awards 16 Credit Hours
In recognition of the high academic standards of the programme, NZ-ISACON 2026 was awarded 16 credit hours by the Punjab Medical Council (PMC).
Final Day Features 10 Hands-On Anaesthesia and Critical Care Workshops
Workshops Conducted Across PGIMER and Regional Healthcare Institutions
The concluding day, 4 October 2026, featured an extensive programme of 10 hands-on workshops.
These workshops were conducted at various facilities within PGIMER as well as other major healthcare institutions in the region, including Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh; AIMS Mohali; and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, New Chandigarh.
Training Covers Trauma, Paediatric Anaesthesia, ECMO and Mechanical Ventilation
The workshops covered several contemporary areas, including Immediate Trauma Life Support, Paediatric Anaesthesia, Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anaesthesia, Transthoracic Echocardiography and ECMO, and Mechanical Ventilation.
Sessions on Airway Management, Chronic Pain and Neuromonitoring
Additional sessions focused on Neuromonitoring, Excellence in Airway Management and the Multimodal Approach to Chronic Pain.
Research Methodology, Simulation and Communication Skills
Participants also received practical training through a Research Methodology Boot Camp, Simulation sessions and Communication Skills workshops.
NZ-ISACON 2026 Reinforces PGIMER’s Commitment to Medical Excellence
Focus on Clinical Care, Education and Research
The successful completion of NZ-ISACON 2026 marked another significant academic initiative by the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Advancing Innovation and Patient Safety in Anaesthesia
The conference reaffirmed the department’s commitment to excellence in clinical care, medical education, research, innovation and patient safety, while contributing to the continued advancement of anaesthesia and critical care in India.
