33rdANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSAM ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIA
12thANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE EAST ZONE ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIA
APICON (Annual Conference of the Association of Physicians of India) in Guwahati marks a significant chapter in the history of medical conferences in Assam and the north-eastern region of India. The event represents a culmination of efforts to bring together medical professionals, researchers, and experts to discuss advancements in the field of medicine and healthcare.
The history of APICON in Guwahati is intertwined with the growth and development of medical education and research in Assam. Over the years, the city has emerged as a prominent center for medical learning and innovation, boasting renowned medical institutions and a vibrant healthcare ecosystem.
The decision to host APICON in Guwahati reflects the recognition of the city's increasing prominence in the medical community and its capacity to host large-scale conferences of national significance. It also serves as a testament to the efforts of local medical associations and organizations to promote academic excellence and scientific discourse in the region.
Each edition of APICON in Guwahati builds upon the legacy of previous conferences, offering attendees a platform to engage in discussions, share research findings, and network with peers from across the country. The conference serves as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and driving advancements in patient care and public health.
API activities in Guwahati had a very humble beginning in 1970’s. Several academic activities were carried out during the period from 1970 to 1981. After that it remained dormant for a short while till Dr. B.B. Kukreja and others gave it momentum and it achieved the status of an organization. Simultaneously the Dibrugarh branch was very active during 1980’s. Under the strong leadership of Dr. H.P.Baruah the API state chapter was founded in the year 1989 at Dibrugarh. Amongst the active leaders of the Guwahati Branch at that time was Dr. B.M.Goswami, Late Debabrata Sarma, Dr. D.C.Choudhury, Dr. P.C.Baruah, Dr.D.C.Borkotoky, Dr. N.N. Barman and many others. Some names that deserve mention here are Dr. C.K.Talukdar, Dr. R.P. Medhi, Dr. Pramathesh Baruah, Dr. Hadialam Borah, Dr. Amio Sarma, Dr. Deepak Sarma, Dr. B.P. Chakraborty, Dr. A. Adhikari who were also amongst the pioneer activist of API Assam. Since 1989 the organization started having their annual conference in the name of APICON, Assam in different districts.
One of the Land mark achievements of API Assam Chapter is APICON 1994 where API Assam hosted the conference in the North Eastern Region for the first time under the leadership of Dr. B.M.Goswami and Dr. D.C.Borkotoki. APICON 1994 was a grand success under the organizing Secretaryship of Dr. P.C. Bhattacherjee and constant support of joint secretaries Dr. Sarojini Dutta Choudhury, Dr. Swaroop Barua and Dr. Anjan Saikia. The highlight of the conference was an excellent and informative scientific programme (CME) and a grand and colourful Banquet. Computerized registration was introduced for the first time in the history of APICON in this chapter. Another noteworthy event of the conference was the preconference satellite symposium. The APICON 1994 was a real boost to the Physicians of the North East. Encouraged by this the district branches geared up and started academic activities, CME, Research works, various health camps and other social activities in the rural areas. API constitution was proposed at APICON, Assam 2006 at Tezpur and later on compiled with the initiative of Dr.Sanjib Kakoty which was accepted in APICON, Assam 2007 at Guwahati.
The website of API www.apiassam.com was launched in the year 2010 has all the updated information about the organization.
Moreover, APICON in Guwahati provides an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Assam to delegates from diverse backgrounds. The conference not only contributes to the academic and professional growth of attendees but also promotes tourism and economic development in the region.
In essence, the history of APICON in Guwahati reflects the evolution of medical education, research, and collaboration in Assam, while also highlighting the city's role as a dynamic hub for healthcare excellence in the northeastern part of India.