IMA Tambaram – Chennaionline

As part of its golden jubilee celebrations, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Tambaram, will organise Namma Health Mega Expo 2026, a three-day public health exhibition themed ‘Together for a Healthier Tomorrow’, from 17 to 19 October 2026 at West Tambaram, with the aim of promoting public health awareness and well-being. Thiru D. Sarathkumar, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resources Management, Government of Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to inaugurate the expo in the presence of Dr. K. M. Abul Hasan, Hony. Secretary General-Elect, IMA Headquarters. The event will be attended by Dr. B. Sridhar, President, IMA Tamil Nadu State Branch; Dr. M. Thiraviam Mohan, Honorary State Secretary, IMA Tamil Nadu State Branch; Dr. J. A. Jayalal, President, Commonwealth Medical Association and Past National President, IMA; and Dr. M. Veerappan, I.A.S., District Collector, Chengalpattu District. The expo will feature 26 themed pavilions covering every field of medicine - from the basic medical sciences, to specialties and super specialties including neurology, obstetrics & gynaecology, and cardiology. These pavilions will offer curated health-awareness sessions for families, students and senior citizens, along with live demonstrations throughout the day to guide visitors on various aspects of healthcare and preventive health. The expo is expected to attract 8,000 to 10,000 visitors every day. Six medical colleges, nearly 50 hospitals and around 300 to 400 doctors will participate in the event. A major attraction at the venue will be a 42-foot-tall medical-themed Navaratri Golu that uniquely blends the cultural tradition of Navaratri Golu with the themes of medicine and healthcare. In her comments, Dr. L. Yesodha, President, IMA - Tambaram, said, “The expo will provide a valuable opportunity for the public to understand their health better and take informed steps towards a healthier life. Visitors can benefit from essential health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, haemoglobin and BMI assessments, along with awareness sessions on anaemia and PCOS. The expo will also feature practical demonstrations, including CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, hands-on CPR training, and a simple two-minute self-check to identify potential diabetic foot problems. Each health pavilion will focus on a specific disease, organ or health concern, presenting medical information in a simple and accessible manner. Covering areas from heart health, diabetes and cancer awareness to mental health, women's wellness, immunisation, emergency care and organ donation, the pavilions aim to promote preventive healthcare, dispel misinformation and empower the public to make informed health decisions.” Dr. T. N. Ravisankar, Convenor, said, “The expo will feature curated health talks, lectures, debates, interactive sessions and quizzes across all three days, with each day centred on a distinct theme. Day 1, ‘Heart of the Community’, will focus on heart health, diabetes, stroke awareness and preventive healthcare, with sessions on recognising heart attack symptoms, understanding cholesterol, and distinguishing medical facts from common myths. Day 2, ‘Family & Future: Women, Children & the Young’, will address women's health, maternal and child nutrition, vaccination, adolescent mental health, screen time and cancer awareness, emphasising the importance of informed health choices for every family. Day 3, ‘Safe & Aware: Emergencies, Trust & Farewell’, will focus on emergency preparedness, first aid, stroke and heart emergencies, snakebites, poisoning, road safety and antimicrobial resistance.” Talking about IMA Tambaram’s golden jubilee, Dr. V. S. Hariharan, Honorary Secretary, said, “Founded in 1976, IMA Tambaram completes 50 years of service this year, with a strong network of 1,500 member doctors committed to advancing the medical profession and improving community health. Over the years, the association has undertaken several public health initiatives, including more than 40 health and screening camps covering eye care, oral health, cancer, diabetes and comprehensive health checks across industries, schools and villages. As we mark the golden jubilee milestone, our commitment remains to strengthen the doctor-community relationship, promote preventive healthcare and make quality health awareness accessible to people from all walks of life.” Dr. G. Bhuvaneswari, Finance Secretary, said, “The expo will be free for the public. It will feature a variety of engaging activities, including puppet shows, Zumba and yoga sessions, making health awareness both enjoyable and interactive for visitors of all ages. Other highlights include lucky draws, competitions for schoolchildren and college students, and an exclusive pavilion offering guidance to medical aspirants on NEET and allied health science courses. Through these initiatives, we hope to encourage healthy lifestyles, inspire young minds and make the expo an enriching experience for the entire family.”