PIMACON 2024: Dr Vikas Chhabra elected President of IMA Punjab

Ludhiana: Over 2,000 doctors from Punjab and neighbouring states attended the state-level 77th annual conference of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab, PIMACON 2024, held on Saturday and Sunday at IMA House in BRS Nagar, Ludhiana. The two-day event was hosted by IMA Ludhiana under the aegis of the Punjab Medical Council.

During the conference, the association introduced Dr Vikas Chhabra as the newly elected President of IMA Punjab. Dr Chhabra had previously served as the President of IMA Bathinda since Jan 2018 and Vice President of IMA Punjab since Jan 2020.

He is a specialist in General Surgery and has 22 years of experience in General, Laparoscopic, Endourology, Plastic and laser surgeries. He has been working with Chhabra Hospital as a consultant since April 2009 in Surgery.

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Vikas Chhabra outlined a robust framework for community welfare, with a strong focus on public education initiatives, including HPV vaccination awareness and other preventive healthcare programmes. He emphasised the critical role of doctors in raising awareness and improving the overall healthcare landscape in the state.

Meanwhile, the association also honoured the Jalandhar branch of IMA by giving the 'Best Big Branch of Punjab 2024 award'. The award was presented by Health Minister Balbir Singh and was received by IMA-Jalandhar president Dr Deepak Chawla and Secretary Dr Archana Dutta, The Tribune reports.

Regarding the event, the association issued a statement that stated that the conference served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, celebrating excellence with the participation of key figures from the medical and healthcare sectors.

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh, who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, praised the efforts of IMA Punjab and the state government in driving healthcare improvements.

Speaking at the occasion, Balbir Singh told TOI, "The joint efforts of IMA Punjab and the state government in implementing healthcare schemes continue to enhance public health services. The unwavering commitment of the medical community to serving the people of Punjab reaffirmed the government's continued support to address challenges faced by healthcare professionals."

Apart from Singh, Rajiv Sood, vice-chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, and Jai Singh Sandhu, manager director of hospitals, were also present at the event as the guests of honour.

Rajiv Sood called for the upskilling of paramedical staff to bolster Punjab's healthcare infrastructure. He also underscored the crucial collaboration between the govt, NGOs and IMA Punjab, aimed at providing comprehensive skill training to healthcare workers, ensuring improved healthcare delivery at every level.

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