The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Guwahati successfully organized a two-day National Conclave and Policy Dialogue on Tuberculosis on  30^th –31^st October, 2025. The theme of the conclave was “Upgrading and Upscaling Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) for Tuberculosis and Transitioning from Phenotypic Testing to Genomic Testing: TB Mortality Reduction and Disease Elimination for Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The conclave brought together leading clinicians, molecular biologists, microbiologists, and policymakers. It was attended by a diverse audience of healthcare professionals, technologists, and TB survivors, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening India’s fight against tuberculosis through science-driven strategies, innovation, and coordinated public health action.

The inaugural session was graced by Mrs. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairman of Vandya International School, Guwahati, as the Chief Guest. Expressing deep empathy for TB-affected individuals and communities, she remarked, “Tuberculosis is not just a medical challenge but a social one. To truly achieve a TB-free India, we must unite with compassion, eliminate stigma, and embrace cutting-edge technologies such as genomic testing for early diagnosis and effective management.”

The valedictory session was presided over by Shri Ashok Singhal, Health Minister of Assam. Reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to TB elimination, he stated, “TB Mukt Bharat, Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat—this vision embodies our collective aspiration for a healthier and stronger nation. Assam is determined to lead through focused action, innovation, and disciplined implementation.”

The scientific sessions during the conclave explored key areas such as the current status and challenges in implementing Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) in India, the evolving landscape of genome sequencing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, technological preparedness for genomic testing in multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), policy and financing pathways for genomic diagnostics, and the integration of targeted next-generation sequencing in research and diagnostic frameworks.

Several dignitaries underscored the crucial role of NIKSHAY Mitras and the “One Nation, One Action” framework in enabling a unified and coordinated response to TB elimination. The discussions highlighted community participation, human rights-based approaches, and the exploration of new WHO-recommended TB treatments, with a shared vision of positioning Assam as a model state in TB control and genomic testing.

In his concluding address, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to bridging research and public health. He emphasized, “Genomic testing represents the next frontier in tuberculosis diagnostics—ushering India into an era of precision public health, innovation, and equitable access to care. At AIIMS Guwahati, we are dedicated to translating research excellence into tangible health outcomes for the nation.”

***

PG/SS

(Release ID: 2185254) Visitor Counter : 204