Chennai conference highlights need for stronger urban public health interventions

An annual state-level conference addressing the integration of public health and clinical care for controlling non-communicable diseases was held at the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai from July 9 to 11, 2026. The three-day event was organised by SRIHER in association with the Tamil Nadu Chapter of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM).

The conference, themed “Integrating Public Health and Clinical Care for Control of Non-Communicable Diseases,” brought together more than 250 delegates and over 50 nationally and internationally renowned speakers. In total, the event facilitated knowledge sharing among more than 300 public health professionals.

A. Somasundaram, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine for the Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the conference. During his address, Somasundaram highlighted the changing demographic patterns within the state. He pointed out that there has been a steady increase in the urban population of Tamil Nadu, which necessitates a significant strengthening of public health interventions in urban areas.

To address these healthcare needs and improve access to primary healthcare across the state, Somasundaram noted that Tamil Nadu has established 708 Urban Health and Wellness Centres. These centres are designed to enhance the reach of primary healthcare services to the growing urban population.