Quarterly Meeting of NAMS State Cells (Chandigarh, Punjab & Himachal Pradesh)

The Quarterly Update Meeting of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) State Cells for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh was successfully conducted on 7 May 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM through the Zoom virtual platform. The meeting was organised by Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC), PGIMER Chandigarh under the convenorship of Prof. (Dr.) Sonu Goel, Convener for Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by state nodal officers and members from all three state cells, including Dr. Rakesh Kakkar and Dr. Abhilash Sood. During the session, Prof. Goel presented the NAMS State Cell Annual Academic Activity Report 2025, highlighting key achievements such as the establishment of NAMS State Committees, conduct of the first induction meeting, inauguration of the institutional NAMS Cell at GMCH-32 Chandigarh, organisation of multiple CMEs and workshops, and publication of the Task Force Report on Tobacco Control endorsed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. State-wise updates and future plans for 2026 were also discussed, including expansion of NAMS cells, academic collaborations, digital strengthening initiatives, and multi-institutional research activities. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and assignment of action points for quarterly follow-up.