New Delhi witnessed a significant milestone in health research on Thursday as the Department of Health Research inaugurated the two-day national conference ‘Medical College Research Connect 2026’ at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in Chanakyapuri. Scheduled for February 26 and 27, 2026, this event brings together over 100 medical colleges from across India on a unified platform.
The primary goal of the conference is to bolster health research infrastructure within medical colleges and elevate the nation’s research capabilities. Organized under the Central Sector Umbrella Scheme, it leverages newly established Medical College Research Units (MCRUs) designed to foster high-quality research by providing essential facilities and resources.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission, attended as the special guest.
In her address, Patel reaffirmed the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to advancing health research. She praised ongoing research efforts in medical colleges and urged educators and researchers to enhance the quality of their work. ‘Robust medical research will play a pivotal role in propelling India towards a developed nation status,’ she emphasized.
Over the two days, representatives from participating medical colleges will present detailed reports on their research activities. The agenda includes keynote lectures, workshops, and panel discussions on crafting superior research proposals, training opportunities, and technical aspects of biomedical research. These sessions aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and build capacity for excellence in research.
Organizers are optimistic that the conference will foster greater coordination among medical colleges nationwide, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in health research. This collaborative effort is expected to yield long-term benefits for India’s healthcare ecosystem.