More than 2,000 leading pulmonologists, respiratory physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across India, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries are expected to converge in Jaipur for NAPCON 2026, the 28th Joint Annual National Conference of the National College of Chest Physicians, India (NCCP-I), and the Indian Chest Society (ICS). Scheduled from October 22 to 25 at B.M. Birla Auditorium, Jaipur, the four-day conference will bring the international respiratory-medicine community together to deliberate on the growing burden of pulmonary diseases, the impact of air pollution on lung health, and the latest developments in the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. With more than 500 research papers expected to be presented, NAPCON 2026 will provide a major platform for sharing scientific evidence, clinical experience and innovations that could help improve respiratory care in India and globally.
The conference comes at a time when respiratory health is receiving increasing attention because of the combined challenges posed by air pollution, tobacco exposure, occupational and environmental hazards, respiratory infections and the growing burden of chronic lung diseases. The scientific deliberations will focus on how physicians can improve early diagnosis, identify high-risk patients, strengthen preventive strategies and adopt evidence-based treatments. Discussions will also cover advances in interventional pulmonology, sleep medicine, pulmonary critical care, interstitial lung diseases (ILD), lung cancer detection and emerging diagnostic technologies. According to the conference’s official website, the programme includes specialist academic sessions and hands-on workshops designed to strengthen clinical skills and encourage interaction between national and international faculty.
Dr Mahendra Kumar, Organizing Chairman, NAPCON 2026 and Senior Pulmonologist, Jaipur, said, “NAPCON 2026 is an important opportunity for the respiratory-medicine community to come together at a time when lung health has become a major public-health priority. We are expecting more than 2,000 pulmonologists and respiratory-health experts from India and several countries, making Jaipur a centre for scientific exchange and professional collaboration. Our objective is to create a platform where the latest research, clinical experience and emerging technologies can be discussed in a meaningful way. The focus will be on translating scientific advances into better diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for patients with respiratory diseases.”
Air pollution and its relationship with respiratory illness will be a key area of discussion, particularly in the context of cities that experience recurring episodes of poor air quality. Experts will deliberate on how exposure to particulate matter and other airborne pollutants can aggravate asthma, contribute to respiratory symptoms and complicate the management of existing lung conditions. The discussions will also examine the importance of public awareness, early recognition of symptoms, appropriate medical evaluation and preventive measures. COPD and asthma will receive particular attention, alongside allergic airway diseases, with sessions exploring disease assessment, personalised treatment approaches, inhaler use, long-term disease control and the management of severe respiratory exacerbations.
Dr Vinod Joshi, Organizing Secretary, NAPCON 2026 and Senior Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, said, “One of the major strengths of NAPCON is its ability to bring together experienced clinicians, researchers and younger medical professionals to discuss the challenges they encounter in everyday practice. Respiratory diseases often require early recognition, accurate diagnosis and sustained follow-up, yet patients may delay seeking care until symptoms become severe. Through scientific sessions and interactive discussions, we aim to encourage evidence-based clinical practice and highlight the importance of timely intervention, patient education and comprehensive respiratory care.”
The conference will also highlight advances in interventional pulmonology, including modern bronchoscopic procedures and techniques that support the diagnosis and management of complex airway and lung conditions. The official programme highlights workshops in basic and advanced bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), medical thoracoscopy, thoracic ultrasound, pulmonary function testing, allergy and immunotherapy, sleep studies, mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation. These sessions are intended to provide opportunities for practical learning alongside discussions on the evolving role of technology in pulmonary medicine.
Dr Ramakant Dixit, Organizing Secretary, NAPCON 2026 and Senior Pulmonologist, said, “The rapid evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques is expanding the possibilities in respiratory medicine. From advanced bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound to improved assessment of interstitial lung diseases and complex airway disorders, there is a growing need for continuous medical education and hands-on training. NAPCON 2026 will give delegates an opportunity to learn from specialists, exchange practical insights and discuss how advances in pulmonary medicine can be applied appropriately in clinical settings to benefit patients.”
A significant component of the meeting will be the presentation of more than 500 research papers, offering researchers and clinicians a platform to share findings, discuss clinical observations and examine emerging evidence across different areas of respiratory medicine. The scientific programme will span allergy and airway diseases, chest infections, sleep medicine, occupational and environmental lung diseases, pulmonary and critical care, lung cancer, interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary circulation, imaging sciences and respiratory physiology. The conference website also lists oral paper and e-poster presentations, alongside research awards intended to recognise scientific contributions and encourage academic excellence. <Link url=”https://napcon2026.com/abstract.php” title=”Research presentations and scientific submissions”/>.
Dr S. N. Gaur, Secretary, National College of Chest Physicians, India, said, “A strong scientific platform is essential for advancing respiratory medicine, especially as clinicians face increasingly complex challenges in the prevention and management of lung diseases. NAPCON provides an opportunity to bring research, clinical practice and education together under one roof. The presentation of research papers and interaction between experts from different institutions and countries will help encourage scientific thinking, support young researchers and strengthen the exchange of knowledge across the respiratory-health community.”
Dr SubhakarKandi, Secretary, Indian Chest Society, said, “The burden of respiratory disease calls for sustained collaboration among clinicians, researchers, healthcare institutions and the wider medical community. Conferences such as NAPCON help specialists review new evidence, discuss emerging treatment options and identify areas where further research and awareness are needed. We hope the deliberations in Jaipur will encourage greater collaboration and contribute to improving the quality of respiratory care, from early diagnosis and prevention to the management of advanced lung disease.”
The conference is being organised under the aegis of the National College of Chest Physicians, India, and the Indian Chest Society, with Jaipur serving as the host city for this major academic gathering. The participation of specialists from India and abroad is expected to foster professional networking, exchange of scientific knowledge and collaboration across institutions. By bringing together established experts, researchers and emerging medical professionals, NAPCON 2026 aims to strengthen the respiratory-medicine community and encourage discussion on practical approaches to the changing landscape of lung health.
During the press briefing ahead of the conference, R. N. Solanki, Senior Pulmonologist and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, NAPCON 2026; Dr Mahesh Mahich, Treasurer and Senior Pulmonologist; Dr Shubhra Jain; Dr GovindRajawat; and the workshop coordinators were also present. The organisers highlighted the importance of the scientific programme, research presentations and specialist workshops in making the four-day event an opportunity for learning, collaboration and advancement in pulmonary medicine.
With its expected participation of more than 2,000 specialists, over 500 research papers and an extensive programme covering major respiratory-health priorities, NAPCON 2026 is set to place Jaipur at the centre of national and international discussions on pulmonary medicine from October 22 to 25.