R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 12
The 10th edition of CAHOCON 2026, India’s flagship conference on healthcare quality and patient safety, will bring together nearly 2,500 healthcare leaders, clinicians, administrators and policymakers in Chennai from April 10–12, 2026. Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate the conference.
- India’s premier healthcare quality summit to convene 2,500 leaders to reimagine safer, smarter healthcare systems
- Recognised as South Asia’s first regional conference by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua)
- Global experts, clinicians and hospital leaders to debate patient safety, accreditation, digital health and quality transformation
- 150-stall healthcare innovation expo to showcase cutting-edge medical technologies and digital health solutions
- Workshops, scientific sessions and CAHO Awards to celebrate institutions shaping the future of quality healthcare
Organised by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, the event will serve as a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, global collaboration and innovation in healthcare delivery.
With the theme “Tech. Touch. Trust – The New Healthcare Code,” CAHOCON 2026 will explore how technology, compassion and reliability must converge to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure safer patient outcomes.
The conference will feature over 200 international delegates, 20 global experts, scientific sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations and innovation showcases that highlight transformative healthcare practices.
Notably, the event has been recognised by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare as the first ISQua Regional Conference for South Asia, marking a major milestone for India’s healthcare quality movement.
Global dialogue on patient safety and healthcare quality
The three-day event will host scientific sessions addressing critical themes such as accreditation, clinical governance, digital transformation, healthcare innovation and patient safety frameworks.
Alongside the conference, a large healthcare exhibition with nearly 150 stalls will display cutting-edge medical equipment, digital health platforms, pharmaceutical solutions and innovative healthcare services.
Three dedicated breakout houses will facilitate smaller discussions, focused workshops and collaborative learning among healthcare professionals.
The conference will also present the CAHO Awards, honouring hospitals and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to healthcare quality and patient safety.
Hands-On Learning for Hospitals
Pre-conference workshops on April 10 will bring together 32 leading hospitals from Chennai, offering hands-on training sessions focused on quality improvement strategies and practical patient safety solutions.
These workshops are designed to equip healthcare professionals with tools that can be immediately implemented in hospitals and healthcare institutions.
From the horse’s mouth
Vijay Agarwal, President, CAHO said, “Over the past decade, CAHO has evolved into a powerful national movement dedicated to strengthening healthcare quality and patient safety across India. Through continuous training, accreditation support, knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives, we are working to build a culture where quality and safety are embedded in every aspect of healthcare delivery.”
Addressing the media conference, Lallu Joseph, Secretary General, CAHO, and AGS & Quality Manager at Christian Medical College Vellore said, “CAHOCON has grown into one of the most influential platforms for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in India. It brings together clinicians, hospital administrators, quality professionals and policymakers to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn from global experiences. Through this collaborative forum, we aim to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare systems and ensure that patients across the country benefit from safer and higher-quality care.”
Managing LPG shortage
When asked how the private hospitals going to face the shortage of LPG due to the ongoing war between Iran and US, Israel alliance, she said “The CAHO has already approached the government to maintain uninterrupted supply of LPG cooking gas to hospitals to provide timely food to the in-patients and will continue our efforts” she added.
S. Manivannan, Organising Co-Chairperson, CAHOCON 2026 and Founder & Managing Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals said, “CAHOCON 2026 is set to be a landmark gathering for healthcare professionals from across the country, bringing together clinicians, administrators, researchers and innovators under one roof. This year’s event will feature pre-conference workshops, high-impact scientific sessions and panel discussions designed to address the latest advancements and challenges in healthcare. Our attendees will gain unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration, while also exploring practical solutions that can be implemented in their institutions.”
Sathish Devadoss, Organising Secretary, CAHOCON 2026 and Vice Chairman of Devadoss Multispecialty Hospitals said, “CAHOCON 2026 will feature a dynamic array of scientific sessions, covering the latest breakthroughs, clinical practices and emerging technologies in healthcare. Our pre-conference workshops are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences, equipping participants with practical skills and innovative approaches that can be applied immediately in their practice. From expert-led lectures to interactive panel discussions, the event promises to stimulate meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration and provide attendees with actionable insights to enhance patient care and drive excellence in healthcare delivery.”
In a statement, Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Academic Committee, CAHOCON 2026 and CEO, Apollo Hospitals Chennai said “CAHOCON 2026 brings together a distinguished lineup of speakers, including leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare innovators. There will be 20 international speakers including Eyal Zimlichman – Deputy Director General & Chief Quality Officer, Sheba Medical Center, ISQua Academy Member, and David Bates – Chief, Division of General Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who will share their expertise and experiences. The event also attracts a diverse group of participants, from hospital administrators to frontline practitioners, creating a vibrant environment for learning, collaboration and knowledge exchange. This convergence of minds ensures that every attendee gains fresh perspectives, practical insights and the inspiration to implement best practices in their own institutions.”
CAHOCON 2026 will be chaired by Nalla G Palaniswami, Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital, with Gurushankar, Chairman of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, serving as one of the organising co-chairpersons.
The press briefing saw participation from healthcare leaders representing several prominent hospitals and healthcare institutions across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions.
