India’s national capital will host the country’s first World Congress of Gastroenterology from September 30 to October 3, bringing together around 3,000 delegates from 51 countries for the four-day event.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and the World Gastroenterology Organisation. It will bring Indian and international specialists together to discuss advances in gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and related areas.
The scientific programme is expected to include about 60 international faculty members and more than 500 Indian experts. Australian Nobel laureate Barry Marshall, known for his discovery of Helicobacter pylori and its connection with peptic ulcer disease, is among the key international participants.
Dr Pramod Garg, Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition at AIIMS New Delhi and President of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, said the congress will feature more than 1,100 original research abstracts, with researchers from India and overseas presenting their findings.
The meeting will also highlight digestive health conditions that affect millions but often receive limited attention. These include H. pylori infection, fatty liver disease and gastrointestinal cancers.
Doctors also used the occasion to underline the importance of recognising warning signs. Digestive complaints such as constipation and diarrhoea are common, with around one in three people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. However, symptoms such as blood in the stool or difficulty swallowing should not be ignored.
Experts advised people, particularly those in their 50s and 60s, to consult a doctor when new or persistent digestive problems develop instead of relying on self-treatment.
Colorectal cancer prevention will be another important area of discussion. Doctors highlighted the value of identifying and removing certain polyps before they develop into cancer. Indian studies are also examining how common these potentially precancerous polyps are among otherwise healthy people around the age of 50.
Dr Shalimar, Professor in the Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit at AIIMS, said the congress will offer students and young researchers an important platform to engage with international specialists and gain exposure to the latest developments in gastroenterology.
A Major Platform for Digestive Health
The Delhi congress is expected to strengthen India’s role in global gastroenterology by bringing together leading specialists, researchers and young professionals. Beyond scientific exchange, the event could also help increase awareness of common digestive diseases and the importance of early diagnosis and prevention.
(Graphic courtesy: wcog2026india.com)