Posted by : Admin|Date : 31 Oct, 2026|Location : Karamsad
Gujarat is hosting the 23rd Conference of Indian Congress of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (ICFMTCON 2026)
The three-day national-level conference, being held from October 29 to 31 at Madhubhan Resort & Spa, Anand, is organised by Pramukhswami Medical College (PSMC) and Shree Krishna Hospital, affiliated with Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, in association with the Indian Congress of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (ICFMT).
The inaugural ceremony on Friday was attended by Superintendent of Police , Anand Shri G. G. Jasani (IPS) as the Chief Guest.
Around 200 delegates from 87 medical institutions across the country are participating in the conference, along with eminent international experts from the United Kingdom, South Korea, South Africa and Japan.
Dr Abhay Dharmasi, Provost, Bhaikaka University, said, “This conference provides an excellent platform for academic exchange, collaboration, sharing of ideas and experiences, and strengthening professional knowledge and practical learning. We are delighted to host this prestigious national-level conference for the first time in Gujarat, here at Karamsad. We believe that the interactions and deliberations during the conference will foster meaningful academic collaborations, encourage the exchange of knowledge and contribute to advancements in the field of forensic medicine and toxicology.”
Dr Swapnil Agarwal , Dean of Pramukhswami Medical College, said the conference aims to strengthen collaboration among forensic medicine specialists, toxicologists, radiologists, legal professionals and law enforcement agencies. It also seeks to bridge the gap between conventional autopsy practices and modern scientific technologies while promoting research, innovation and the practical application of advanced techniques in forensic investigations.
Former Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Tirath Das Dogra highlighted the expanding scope of forensic science beyond criminal investigations, with applications extending to banking, accounting, cybercrime, internet-related fraud and media fraud. He also emphasised the growing role of artificial intelligence in forensic investigations and said that the establishment of a National Forensic Science University at Gandhinagar would further strengthen the field. He described such conferences as important platforms for professional interaction, knowledge exchange and sharing experiences among experts.
Referring to the role of forensic science in sensitive investigations, Dr Dogra said, “During the 2002 Gujarat riots, forensic science played a significant role in establishing facts through scientific investigation. We visited several sites and conducted DNA analysis to identify victims and assist in investigating the affected cases. Forensic evidence was instrumental in establishing the truth. The importance of impartial forensic investigation was also evident in sensitive cases such as the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati encounter cases, where medical, digital and other scientific evidence played an important role. A forensic expert needs to remain neutral. Forensic experts and the Law Enforcement Agencies must work together with a common objective – to uncover the truth through scientific evidence, irrespective of religion, caste, political affiliation or the identity of those involved. Truth must prevail above all biases.”
Dr Dharmesh Patel, Additional Dean, B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, and State Nodal Officer, DRP, Gujarat, highlighted the importance of scientific techniques in disaster victim identification. He apprised the challenges experienced during mass disasters and how DNA profiling played a crucial role in identifying victims in last year’s Air Plane Crash.”
Dr S.K. Verma, President, ICFMT, emphasised the role of forensic science in strengthening law enforcement and promoting social responsibility. He said, “With the support of forensic science and the police, we can identify those responsible for crimes and contribute towards building a safer, more responsible and humane society.”
The scientific sessions are covering contemporary developments in forensic medicine, analytical toxicology, forensic radiology, postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), forensic entomology, histopathology and medical jurisprudence. Discussions are also focusing on the role of forensic experts in mass casualty incidents, including victim identification and postmortem procedures in the recent Ahmedabad plane crash.
The conference brings together several eminent national and international experts, including Dr Gillian Jackson, Medical Toxicologist, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Dr Shakeera Holland, Head of Forensic Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Dr Haruki Fukuda, Forensic Pathologist, Gunma University, Japan; and Dr Shirley Jena Stuart, Head of Clinical Department, Forensic Pathology Service, Northern Region, Gauteng, South Africa.
Prominent Indian experts participating in the conference include Dr C.P. Bhaisora, Dean/Principal, Government Medical College, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand; Dr S.K. Dash, Professor and Head, AIIMS Mangalagiri; Dr Ashok Moondra, Senior Professor and Head, Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Kota; Dr Vinod Chaudhary, Professor and Head, JIPMER, Puducherry; Dr Manish Shrigriwar, Professor and Head, AIIMS Nagpur; and Dr Dharmesh Patel, Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad.
Dr Swapnil Agarwal, Dean, Pramukhswami Medical College, is the Organising Chairperson. Dr Arijit Datta, Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology and Dr Viral Patel, Professor and Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis, are the Co-organising Lead.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr Jyoti Tiwari, Registrar, Bhaikaka University, and Dr Jitesh Desai, Medical Superintendent, Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad, along with other distinguished dignitaries and delegates.
ICFMTCON 2026 concluded successfully, marked by enriching scientific deliberations, academic collaboration and valuable forensic insights. The dedication, teamwork and wholehearted support of our third-year and final-year MBBS student volunteers played a vital role in the conference's success.
