17th Asia Oceania Congress of Nuclear Medicine & Biology Opens in Chennai
Chennai: The 17th edition of the Asia Oceania Congress of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (AOCNMB 2025) was inaugurated this morning at Positron Hall, ITC Grand Chola, marking the start of a major international gathering of nuclear medicine professionals. Hosted by the Indian College of Nuclear Medicine (ICNM), the event positions Tamil Nadu’s capital as a growing hub for healthcare excellence and scientific innovation.
The inauguration began with a welcome address by Dr. S. Santhosh, Secretary General of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, India (SNMI), followed by Dr. Kanhaiyalal Agarwal, Secretary of ICNM, who invited dignitaries to the stage. Among those present were Dr. B. R. Mittal, Dean of ICNM; Prof. Dr. Akram Al-Ibraheem, President of the Asia Oceania Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (AOFNMB); Prof. Jun Hatazawa, Honorary/Executive President of AOFNMB; Dr. E. Prabhu, President of SNMI and Organizing Chairman; and Dr. P. Senthilkumar, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. Senthilkumar officially inaugurated the scientific sessions. He expressed pride in Chennai hosting the prestigious congress, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in healthcare and medical technology. “This conference reflects the remarkable growth of nuclear medicine in India,” he said, while welcoming delegates to experience both the scientific deliberations and the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Dr. E. Prabhu underscored Tamil Nadu’s prominence in the field, noting that the state has the highest number of nuclear medicine centres in India. He outlined his vision to expand the country’s network from 540 centres to 2,700 by 2030.
Describing the congress as “an exciting scientific extravaganza,” Dr. Santhosh emphasized AOCNMB’s role as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. ICNM reaffirmed its commitment to capacity-building, education, and nurturing the next generation of nuclear medicine professionals.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Santhosh, followed by the National Anthem. Dignitaries then gathered for a group photograph, formally marking the commencement of AOCNMB 2025’s scientific programs
