From July 9‑11, a three‑day state conference in Chennai gathered over 250 delegates and more than 50 national and international experts to discuss integrated strategies against non‑communicable diseases. The event highlighted Tamil Nadu’s push to strengthen urban health infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 250 delegates attended
  • More than 50 national and international experts spoke
  • Focus on integrating public health with clinical care to curb NCDs

From July 9 to July 11, 2026, Chennai played host to a three‑day state‑level conference that could reshape the fight against non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tamil Nadu. Organized by the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in partnership with the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) – Tamil Nadu Chapter, the event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

Context and Rationale

India’s burden of NCDs—cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses—continues to rise, and Tamil Nadu mirrors this national trend. Rapid urbanisation has altered lifestyle patterns, increasing exposure to risk factors such as sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. Addressing these challenges demands a seamless blend of preventive public‑health measures and curative clinical services.

Conference Highlights

The theme, “Integrating Public Health and Clinical Care for Control of Non‑Communicable Diseases,” guided an agenda packed with scientific sessions, panel discussions, and policy workshops. More than 250 delegates—including state health officials, academic researchers, NGOs, and private‑sector representatives—participated. Over 50 distinguished speakers, ranging from WHO officials to leading Indian epidemiologists, shared evidence‑based insights and successful models from around the globe.

Government Initiatives

Opening the conference, A. Somasundaram, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the shifting demographic profile of the state. He emphasized the establishment of 708 Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWCs) as a cornerstone for expanding primary‑care access and early NCD detection in densely populated urban zones.

Path Forward

Consensus emerging from the conference calls for a data‑driven, multi‑sectoral approach: strengthening community‑based awareness, leveraging digital health platforms, and fostering public‑private partnerships. Experts advocated for robust surveillance systems, tele‑medicine integration, and capacity‑building at the UHWCs to ensure that prevention, screening, and treatment are delivered under a unified framework.