CHANDIGARH, 27.02.26-The Dept of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, PGI, Chandigarh, is organizing the Annual PGI Pediatrics Update 2026 on February 28 and March 1, 2026. The theme for this year’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is “Basics to Breakthroughs”, reflecting a comprehensive academic journey from foundational clinical practice to cutting-edge advances in pediatrics.

The highlight of the CME is the 10^th Prof. BNS Walia Oration, which was started in honor of Dr. Brij Nandan Singh Walia, Ex HOD and Director of PGIMER from February, 1991 to June, 1995. Dr Walia is a towering figure in Indian medicine and his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions have left an enduring imprint on pediatric care and medical education. A luminary in every sense, Dr. Walia continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals with his dedication, compassion, and transformative vision.

The oration will be delivered by the eminent public health visionary Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang, Founder-Director of Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH), Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Dr Bang developed and scientifically validated the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) model- a community-led intervention that has led to a remarkable decline in neonatal mortality and has since been adopted nationally and internationally. His research published in The Lancet and other leading journals, has shaped both national and global policies in maternal and child health. Dr Bang has been recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. He exemplifies a blend of scientific rigor, compassion and service to the most underserved populations. His oration, titled “How was child mortality reduced? Gadchiroli to Global”, will chronicle the journey of community-based newborn and child health interventions that transformed child survival in rural India and influenced global health policy.

The inaugural session and the prestigious oration will be presided over by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director; Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean Academic; and Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head, Dept. of Pediatrics.

Over two days, the CME will provide practicing pediatricians, residents, and trainees with concise, evidence-based updates on common and critical issues in everyday pediatric practice. The scientific program includes sessions spanning infections, vaccination, epilepsy, diabetes, anemia, and neuromuscular disorders, among others. The program will also feature interactive panel discussions and clinical pearls sessions. There will be guided research poster rounds to promote academic exchange and practical learning. The posters will represent the spectrum of research work undertaken by the residents and PhD scholars working in the field of pediatric clinical care.

Importantly, all faculty speakers are exclusively from the Dept of Pediatrics, PGI, underscoring the breadth and depth of expertise and academic strength within the institution.

The Annual PGI Pediatrics Update aims to equip pediatricians with the latest knowledge, sharpen clinical skills, and bridge the gap between evolving research and real-world pediatric practice. The CME is expected to attract more than 200 pediatricians and trainees across the region.