AOI is the largest platform in India for otolaryngologists, the super specialist doctors who deal with the treatment and prevention of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. AOICON 2026 is one of the most significant global summits, attracting approximately 4000 delegates from almost all states of India and abroad, including the UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Gulf countries, and other European countries.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Mr. Arup Raha, ex-Air Chief Marshal as the Chief Guest and Mrs. Sushmita Sen, ex-Miss Universe, as the Guest of Honor. Among the distinguished doctors present were Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee, National President of AOI; Dr. Shankar Medicari, past National President\;, Dr. Yogesh Debholkar; Dr. Utpal Jana, Organizing Chairman and President of AOI West Bengal; Dr. Snehashis Barman, Organizing Secretary of AOICON 2026; and Dr. Soumendra Nath Bandopadhyay, along with other renowned ENT specialists from across the country.
The conference was inaugurated with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony. During the inaugural program, four senior and legendary ENT specialists – Dr. Dulal Bose, Dr. Vijayendra, Dr. Devindra Raj, and Dr. Arunabha Sengupta – were felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor, along with the office bearers of AOI.
Additionally, a souvenir and two booklets – the Indian Guideline for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and the Medico-Legal Guide for the Treatment of ENT Diseases – were released on the dais.
India has been ranked 5th in pollution in 2023, and it is a growing concern. Allergy, especially allergic rhinitis (AR), has significantly worsened due to pollution, causing irritating nasal passages, increased inflammation, and sensitivity to allergens, leading to severe sneezing, congestion, and itching. Given that 20-30% of the population is affected by AR, and 53% of patients with nasal symptoms had AR in 19 states of India, the treatment of AR is a main theme of the conference. Several workshops were conducted, and an Indian Guideline for Treatment has been released.
Other key topics of the conference include vertigo and cosmetic facial surgery. Dr. Ullash Raghavan, a pioneer in facial plastic surgery, has traveled from the UK to lead a workshop on this subject.
The conference also features discussions and training sessions on modern and latest treatments for various ENT diseases, conducted during the scientific sessions and workshops over the four-day event.
