As the 33rd Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2026) approaches, the anticipation within the palliative care community continues to build. In this interview, we speak with Dr Subrahmanyam Maddirala, Organising Chairperson, IAPCON 2026 to gain insights into the vision, planning, and aspirations shaping this landmark conference. He reflects on the scientific programme, the theme of the conference- Continuum of Care: Hospital, Hospice, and Home, and the collaborative efforts between the Indian Association of Palliative Care and the host institutions, Sparsh Hospice and Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. This conversation offers a preview of what delegates can expect and why IAPCON 2026 promises to be a meaningful and enriching experience.
As IAPCON 2026 approaches, what makes hosting the conference in Hyderabad a truly special experience?
15 years ago, when we started “Sparsh Hospice” hardly anyone in Hyderabad knew what was a Hospice. We have built a sustained campaign of awareness and today we are hosting the IAPC’s Annual International Conference jointly with Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. Hyderabad is a city where tradition and progress sit comfortably side by side. For palliative care, it has quietly built meaningful services across hospitals, hospices and the community. Hosting IAPCON here feels like a natural extension of its intrinsic values and reflects both growth and grace.
As the Organising Chair of IAPCON 2026, what do you see as the key takeaways for different delegate groups—from the main conference and the pre-conference workshops?
We hope every delegate goes back with something useful and practical. Clinicians can expect strong clinical learning, nurses and allied professionals – hands-on skills, administrators – ideas for service development, and students/volunteers – inspiration and direction. The pre-conference workshops are designed to go deeper; more interactive, more skill-based, and very relevant to day-to-day practice.
There are several first-of-their-kind initiatives planned for IAPCON Hyderabad. Could you give us a brief glimpse of these?
IAPCON Hyderabad will see several first-of-its-kind initiatives, including the IAPC Oration, a dedicated MAASC session, the launch of IAPC’s Theme Song and Visionary Award, an exciting new competition titled “Shark Tank – Hospice Version”, a strong focus on making it a Green Conference, and a newly developed app to make the delegate experience smoother and more engaging.
The scientific programme is always the heart of IAPCON. How does this year’s theme, continuum of care—hospital, hospice, and hometranslate into the structure and content of the scientific sessions?
Earlier conferences did not have a dedicated track for Hospice care and dwelt more on Palliative Care; we wanted to integrate both. Sessions are planned to follow the patient’s journey – starting in hospitals, moving to home care, extending into the hospice, caregivers and community and beyond. We want delegates to see how care connects across settings, and how teams can work together rather than in silos.
How has the Scientific Committee designed the IAPCON 2026 programme—ensuring scientific rigor, alignment with the conference theme, and meaningful representation across disciplines and care settings in palliative care?
The Scientific Committee has worked carefully and collaboratively. Abstracts, workshops and plenary sessions are being reviewed with a strong focus on quality, relevance and balance. There is representation from medicine, nursing, psychosocial care, rehabilitation, spiritual care and public health, across both government and non-government settings. The aim is to reflect real-world palliative care in India. Several competitions are also planned as part of the scientific sessions, such as Debate, Quiz, and ‘Shark Tank -Hospice Version’.
Beyond academics, IAPCON is known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. What additional activities, can delegates look forward to at IAPCON 2026?
The venue of the conference is a very serene and has several trees and gardens and is soothing to the mind. During the Gala Dinner, we are showcasing the cultural art forms of Telangana state. Apart from the Gala night planned at Taramati Baradari – a historical monument, we also have plans for wellness activities and informal networking spaces integrated into the schedule. There will be a designated travel agent, who will help in organizing local sightseeing for the famous monuments of Hyderabad: Charminar, Golkonda Fort, Birla Mandir etc.
Hyderabad, and the state of Telangana in particular, have made significant progress in palliative care delivery across both the government and private sectors. Do you see IAPCON 2026 adding further momentum to this movement?
As I said in the opening question, the state has come a long way in improving access to palliative care in the last two decades. The state’s health minister would be Inaugurating the conference. This will shine a light on what is already happening and encourages further collaboration. This conference is expected to pave the way for stronger partnerships, influence policy conversations, motivate more institutions to invest in palliative care services, and foster creative awareness within the community.
Can you share how the IAPC and the conference organising team – Sparsh and Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute- collaborate to ensure that IAPCON 2026 reflects both national priorities and local strengths?
This has been a shared effort from the start. IAPC provides national vision, guidance and standards, while the local organising teams bring on-ground experience and context. Regular discussions, mutual respect and a common purpose between the representative teams from Sparsh and Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, helped us create a mutually acceptable vision. We have worked as a team to be able to blend national priorities with the learnings from Hyderabad and Telangana.
Finally, what message would you like to share with delegates? Why should this conference be a priority for them?
IAPCON 2026 is a chance to learn, reflect and reconnect—with knowledge, with colleagues, and with the values at the heart of palliative care. In a busy world, this conference offers space to pause and grow. We truly believe it will be worth their time to come and visit our beautiful city, experience our hospitality, reconnect with old colleagues and friends, interact with the growing palliative care community and add to their knowledge toolbox.
Please visit the IAPCON 2026 website for Conference registration.
Excited to be the part
I am so much excited to be a part of IAPCON 2026