GNRC Hospitals, in collaboration with the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) and Association of Healthcare Providers (India) – AHPI NE-1, successfully concluded the 1st North East Quality Conclave 2026 on February 7, 2026, at the NEDFi Convention Centre, Guwahati. The landmark conclave brought together healthcare leaders, clinicians, quality professionals, policymakers, and solution providers from across Northeast India to advance discussions on healthcare quality, patient safety, and system-wide excellence.
The day-long conclave witnessed active participation from senior healthcare professionals, government officials, and representatives of leading hospitals across the region. Designed as a multi-stakeholder platform, the event featured four thematic technical sessions, quality improvement project presentations, and an engaging quiz competition, all aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based healthcare delivery.
Delivering the keynote address on “Healthcare Quality 360° – The Future is Now,” Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General of CAHO and Quality Manager & Associate General Superintendent at Christian Medical College, Vellore, set the tone for the conclave by highlighting the evolving dimensions of quality, safety, and accountability in modern healthcare systems.
As part of the conclave, torch-bearers of healthcare quality in Northeast India were felicitated for their outstanding contributions. The honourees included Dr. Narendra Nath Dutta, Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, Dr. Kh Palin, and Prof. Dr. Subhash Khanna.
The conclave was graced by several distinguished guests who shared their perspectives on healthcare governance and quality systems. These included Dr. Lakshmanan S., Mission Director, National Health Mission, Assam; Prof. Dr. Ashok Kr. Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati; Dr. A. C. Baishya, Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital; Dr. Ramen Talukdar, FAAMCH, Barpeta; and Dr. Umesh Phangcho, Director of Health Services, Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Priyanka Borah, Deputy Managing Director, GNRC Group of Hospitals, stated that the Northeast Quality Conclave represents a major milestone in the region’s collective journey toward healthcare excellence. She emphasised that the platform will strengthen collaboration, enable knowledge exchange, and accelerate the adoption of global best practices, reaffirming GNRC’s commitment to advancing quality care and patient safety across the Northeast.
The conclave featured four in-depth technical sessions addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare quality. The first session, “Redefining Quality in the Age of Digital Hospitals,” was led by Col (Retd) Dr. Rakesh Verma, Founder & CEO of AeonMed Health & Hospitals, and focused on the impact of digital transformation on quality benchmarks. The second session, “Balancing Cost & Quality: The Quality-Cost Equation in Modern Healthcare,” facilitated by Dr. Devanand Kolothodi, examined strategies to sustain high-quality care amid resource constraints.
The third session, “Experience is the New Outcome: Redefining Quality through Patient Voices,” was led by Dr. Sunil Khetarpal, Deputy Director General of AHPI, highlighting the growing importance of patient-centred care. The fourth session, “Battle of Beliefs: Quality and Accreditation – A 3-Day Audit or a Continuous Journey?”, adopted a debate format featuring Dr. J. P. Sarma, Dr. Anshuman Mahanta, Dr. Hirak Jyoti Das, and Prof. (Dr.) Unmona Borgohain Saikia, moderated by Dr. Jeet Patwari.
A key highlight of the conclave was the presentation of Quality Improvement Projects by participating institutions. Three shortlisted projects were presented before a distinguished panel chaired by Prof. Dr. Arati Deka, offering practical insights into innovation, patient care enhancement, and operational efficiency.
Serving as the Quiz Master, Mr. Sanjeeb Kakati, Advisor – Quality Initiatives, GNRC Hospitals, noted that the enthusiasm and engagement displayed by participants reflected a deep regional commitment to quality improvement. He observed that the interactive quiz and project presentations created a dynamic learning environment beyond conventional conference formats.
The successful conclusion of the 1st North East Quality Conclave 2026 marks the beginning of what is envisioned as an annual platform dedicated to advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in Northeast India. As GNRC Hospitals continues to lead initiatives in quality and clinical excellence, the conclave reinforces its role as a catalyst for healthcare transformation across the region.
