Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Wednesday inaugurated the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG 2026) in New Delhi, marking the first time the international Congress is being held in India.
The four-day Congress will run until October 3, 2026, bringing together gastroenterologists, hepatologists, pancreatologists, endoscopists, gastrointestinal surgeons, dietitians, nurses, technologists, and other healthcare professionals from India and around the world.
Organised under the theme “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature,” WCOG 2026 is jointly hosted by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) and the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), in collaboration with the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL), Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation India (CCFI), Indian Pancreas Club (IPC) and Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association (INMA).
The Congress focuses on advances in gastrointestinal health through scientific research, clinical practice, innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda said the theme is highly relevant in the current context and expressed confidence that discussions among experts from around the world would help identify new approaches to address the evolving burden of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
He highlighted the role of international scientific forums such as WCOG in facilitating knowledge exchange, enabling healthcare professionals to learn from different healthcare systems and strengthening international collaboration.
Nadda also emphasised the importance of such platforms for young doctors, who will contribute to the next generation of research, clinical practice and innovation in gastroenterology.
The minister also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished veterans of the field in recognition of their contributions to gastroenterology, patient care, research and medical practice.
WCOG 2026 provides a platform for professionals from different disciplines to exchange knowledge, clinical experiences and best practices. The Congress also showcases India’s growing contribution to global gastrointestinal research, including work in epidemiology, clinical guidelines and translational medicine.
The first-time hosting of the World Congress of Gastroenterology in India marks a significant development in the country’s engagement with the global gastroenterology community and provides an opportunity to strengthen international scientific partnerships and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Prof. Nikhil Tandon, Director, AIIMS, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Carolina Olano, President, WGO; Dr. Govind Makharia, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), WCOG; Dr. Mathew Philip, Secretary General, ISG were also present at the inaugural event.
