Nagpur :- VAMMCON 2026, the annual conference of the Vidarbha Association of Medical Microbiologists (VAMM), concluded at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College (IGGMC), with deliberations centred on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advances in tuberculosis diagnostics.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries. Seen in the photograph (right to left) are Dr Gopal Agrawal, professor and head, department of microbiology, IGGMC; Dr Shashikant Shambharkar, deputy director, health services, Nagpur division (guest of honour); Dr Bhawna Sonawne, dean, IGGMC; Dr Dilip Gedam, president, VAMM; Padmashree Dr Vikas Mahatme, chief guest; and Dr Apurva Kshirsagar, secretary, VAMM.
A key highlight was a workshop on antimicrobial stewardship conducted by faculty from AIIMS Mangalagiri under Dr Sumit Rai. The session outlined a practical roadmap to tackle AMR, including preparation and interpretation of antibiograms. Around 40 participants, including senior faculty and residents, attended.
Another workshop focused on tuberculosis diagnosis under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), with detailed guidance on CBNAAT and Line Probe Assay (LPA) interpretation. A newer CYTB diagnostic module was also introduced. Dr Ujjwala Gaikwad and her team from AIIMS Raipur conducted hands-on sessions.
The conference featured scientific sessions, oral and poster presentations, and an engaging academic debate. Several participants were felicitated for excellence.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Apurva Kshirsagar expressed gratitude to faculty members, delegates, sponsors and the organising team for making the event a success.