The 42nd National Conference of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics- A Report
The 42nd National Conference of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, PEDICON 2005 was
held from 6th to 9th January 2005 at Kolkata. The twin venues were Science City
and Hotel ITC Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers. The conference was an event to
remember and cherish for years to come. It was unique in many respects. Few
highlights of the conference are as follows:
1. Unique Brochures and 5 News Bulletins (4 Pre conferene & 1 Post conference),
News Bulletins were published first time in PEDICONs.
2. Highest number of delegates: This is the first PEDICON where the total
registered delegates’ crossed 5000.
3. Highest number of spot registration
4. Highest number of Pre-conference Workshop held on 4th and 5th January 2005
(16workshops booked to full capacity) including the Training the Trainers
workshop on Standardisation of Office Practice as Presidents Action Plan 2005.
5. Three hugely attended CME’s including the first time ever an exclusive
Pediatric Dermatology CME.
6. The Scientific programmes were held in 10 halls over 3 days where more than
300 speakers participated.
7. Highest number of Overseas Faculty.
8. The IV Annual Scientific Conference of Pediatric Association of SAARC on 9
January at ITC Sonal Bangla with participation of highest number of delegates
from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka and Secretaries and Presidents of
Pakistan Pediatric Association, Bangladesh Pediatric Association, Nepal
Pediatric Society and Sri Lanka College of Pediatrics.
9. Participation of President (Dr.Adenike Grange), Immediate Past President or
Executive Director (Dr.Jane Schaller) and President Elect (Chak-wan Chang) of
International Pediatric Association (IPA) was encouraging for IAP.
10. Unique entertainment arena where 8 relaxation lounges and amusement parks
provided ample space for the delegates and their family to relax including(i)
Cinema hall for children, (ii)Free for all performance stage (Mukta Mancha,
(iii) Durga Mandap (Idol of Goddess Durga in an authentic stage and ambience),
(iv) Children painting live on the theme of peace. (v) Pain management center.
11. Three evening of banquet dinner at different venues.
12. Two Cultural programs on each of the 3 evenings.
13. Total 20 complimentary city tour and one steamer trip.
14. Donation to Tsunami Fund
15. All the memento were prepared by the rural artisans of Bangal who worked on
folk art.
16. The folders of the workshops were prepared by underprivileged women under
the supervision of NGO working with them.
17. Largest turnout in Valedictory Programme followed by Lunch and valedictory
gift with Chinese Lion Dance by Chinese kids and boys of China Town, Kolkata.
18. Bhubaneswar-Digha-Kolkata Bicycle rally organized by IAP Pune Branch
supported by PEDICON 2005 and IAP Tamralipta and Howrah District branches
19. In spite of spending generously on scientific activity, lunch & dinners,
cultural program and all other aspects, we have been able to generate a surplus
of more than Rs.1 crore
On 20th February 2005, we had a none like before Ceremony of Appreciation for
PEDICON 2005 graced by Dr.Raju C Shah and Dr.Bharat R Agarwal. The organizing
committee, the special delegates, the representative from the participating
industrial housed and different artists who performed in the cultural program,
were felicitated with special memento and the evening ended with fire works, a
cultural program and a banquet. This program was attended by 300 participants.
Dr.Tapan Kumar Ghosh
Org.Secretary, PEDICON 2005.