Commonwealth Association for Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition REPORT CAPGAN Conference, New Delhi, India 2015

CAPGAN held its Biennial Conference in 2015 at New Delhi, India. The organizing secretary of the conference was Dr. Neelam Mohan (Secretary of CAPGAN ) and organizing Chairperson was Dr. S. K. Yaccha. The conference dates were Oct. 1-3 2015 and venue was "The Grand Hotel” at Vasant Kunj Delhi.

The scientific programme covered a wide array of contemporary topics, research developments and newer technologies in the field of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Important topics such as Celiac Disease, Diarrhea, GI Infections, GERD, IBD, Food allergy, Malnutrition, Obesity, Fatty Liver Diseases, Metabolic Liver Diseases, Viral hepatitis and much more was covered. The conference science was delivered by popular speakers of National and International repute. The conference was well attended by delegates (>250) with adequate time for lively discussions.

The venue included 1 large hall with 2 small well equipped and manner lecture rooms with board for poster and exhibition space.

Approximately 87 abstracts were received and scored by the Abstracts Committee: 64 were accepted and 16 were presented orally. Oral Presentation evoked much discussion. The remaining 70 were displayed as posters.

The conference was well attended by an international array of delegates from commonwealth countries such as Bangladesh, sub Saharan African countries, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and Australia. There were some delegates also from non-Commonwealth countries like Egypt and Denmark. They all contributed greatly to a short-lived but memorable, enjoyable and remarkably problem-free conference.

Accommodation of the faculty was arranged complementary at the venue by the organizing team. Most of the international delegates were accommodated at the venue, The Grand hotel at a discounted price. Free internet connections were available with buffet breakfast.

Social Programme

There was a welcome dinner on the first evening along with good music, drink and short welcome speeches. Gala dinner on 3rd October included live music with standup comedian. All faculty and delegates enjoyed with traditional buffet dinner along with drinks.

Delegates were given leaflets or information on ‘things to do in Delhi’ and complementary sight-seeing tours in Delhi (Chandni chowk, Red Fort, Rajghat) were arranged. In addition travel tours were arranged for Agra and Jaipur.