INDIAN CHEST CONGRESS 2026

Ability to Breathe Is a Gift
Lung diseases are on the rise globally. India has one of the highest burdens of chronic respiratory diseases. Deaths due to COPD and asthma are high in India, yet awareness among healthcare professionals and the public remains low.
These two chronic lung conditions, along with indoor and outdoor air pollution, impose a significant health and economic burden on our healthcare system. Hence, a congress of this nature on lung-related disorders for students and faculty, to be held in Chennai in August 2026, is highly commendable.
I appreciate the dedication and tireless efforts of Dr. K. Venugopal, Dr. Koushik Muthu Raja, Dr. Jackin Moses, and the entire Organising Committee in bringing together experts to make this conference a meaningful and enriching scientific event.
I wish the 1 st Annual National Congress of SPICE India every success.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my privilege to welcome you to the 1st Annual National Congress of SPICE India — Indian Chest Congress, being held in Chennai from August 28th to 30th, 2026. As Organising Chairman, I am delighted to see pulmonologists, chest physicians, critical care and sleep medicine specialists, researchers, and allied professionals from across the country come together under this year's theme, “Precision Pulmonology for a Resilient India: Integrating Innovation, Equity, and Excellence in Respiratory Care.”
As we launch this inaugural congress of SPICE India, our aim is simple yet ambitious — to bring precision medicine, digital health, and equitable care models to the heart of respiratory practice across the country, from our biggest cities to the most underserved regions.
Our younger generation pulmonologists have done a phenomenal job in taking forward this congress and been a great pillar of support for me throughout this journey of organising Indian Chest Congress 2026.
In the true spirit of our theme, Breathe, Innovate, Thrive, I extend a warm welcome to all delegates and look forward to your active participation in Chennai.

Dear Delegates,
On behalf of the Organising Committee, I am happy to welcome you to the 1st Annual National Congress of SPICE India — Indian Chest Congress 2026 in Chennai. This year's theme, “Precision Pulmonology for a Resilient India,” reflects our commitment to integrating innovation, equity, and excellence into everyday respiratory care — spanning biomarker-driven therapy, AI and digital health, air pollution–related lung disease, tuberculosis, ILDs, lung cancer, sleep medicine, and critical care.
We have worked to put together a scientific programme that balances cutting- edge research with practical, everyday clinical relevance, along with ample opportunity for networking and collegial exchange among peers from across India.
I hope your time here is both intellectually rewarding and enjoyable, as we Breathe, Innovate, and Thrive together.

Dear Colleagues and Distinguished Delegates,
It is my privilege and honour to welcome you to the Indian Chest Congress 2026 (ICC 2026)—the 1st Annual National Congress of SPICE INDIA, to be held from 28th to 30th August 2026 at IITM Research Park, Chennai. The Indian Chest Congress represents the very best of Indian pulmonology—our collective knowledge, shared commitment and enduring passion for advancing respiratory care.
“Precision Pulmonology for a Resilient India: Integrating Innovation, Equity and Excellence in Respiratory Care”
This year's conference theme could not be more timely. As we navigate a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape—from the emergence of artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics and precision medicine to the continuing burden of tuberculosis, chronic airway diseases, lung cancer and air pollution-related illnesses—our responsibilities as chest physicians have never been greater or more exciting.
The scientific programme has been thoughtfully designed around key pillars that reflect the full spectrum of contemporary respiratory medicine. From addressing urban–rural disparities and advancing interventional pulmonology to strengthening critical care, sleep medicine, thoracic oncology and policy advocacy, the sessions have been structured to inspire meaningful dialogue, encourage collaboration and translate knowledge into improved patient outcomes across India.
A conference is, at its heart, a community. It is where ideas are exchanged, scientific concepts are challenged, professional relationships are built and careers are shaped. We have worked diligently to create an environment in which every delegate—whether an experienced faculty member, practising clinician, researcher or enthusiastic postgraduate trainee—feels welcomed, heard and inspired.
To our faculty, speakers and moderators, thank you for your generous contribution of time and expertise. To our sponsors and industry partners, your valuable support has helped make this vision possible. To every delegate joining us in Chennai, your participation is what gives this congress its true purpose and spirit.
Welcome to ICC 2026. Let us breathe, innovate and thrive—together.

Dear Colleagues,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Indian Chest Congress 2026, the 1st Annual National Congress of SPICE India, in Chennai from August 28th to 30th, 2026. A great deal of planning and effort has gone into organising this congress around the theme of “Precision Pulmonology for a Resilient India: Integrating Innovation, Equity, and Excellence in Respiratory Care,” and I sincerely thank all our faculty, delegates, and sponsors for their support in making this event possible.
Please do explore the scientific sessions, workshops, and poster presentations lined up over the coming days, covering everything from precision medicine and interventional pulmonology to chronic airway disease, TB, ILDs, lung cancer, sleep medicine, and critical care — and don't hesitate to reach out to our team for any assistance during the congress.
Wishing you a fruitful and memorable congress in Chennai. Let's Grow Together!