Bathinda: The second day of SimuVerse 2026, the three-day national conference on simulation-based medical education being organized by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot, brought together leading policymakers, academicians and healthcare experts from across the country to discuss the future of competency-based medical education, simulation training and patient safety.Dr Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, chairman, National Medical Commission (NMC); Dr Anil Kumar J Nayak, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA); Dr Yagna Umesh Shukla, Chairman, National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP); and Dr Neelam Mohan, President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) participated in the conference.Dr Rajeev Sood, vice-chancellor, BFUHS, said SimuVerse 2026 has been designed as a national platform where doctors, postgraduate students, nursing professionals and allied healthcare personnel receive hands-on training using advanced simulation technology before treating patients. He said the University is committed to making simulation-based learning a regular part of healthcare education so that medical professionals become more skilled, confident and better prepared to deliver safe patient care.Addressing the gathering, Dr Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, chairman, NMC, said that while India is rapidly increasing medical seats, maintaining the quality of education is equally important. He informed that the NMC is working to make structured simulation training an essential part of undergraduate medical education, with competency assessment and certification before students appear in university examinations. He added that digital learning, simulation and artificial intelligence will strengthen, not replace, traditional clinical teaching.Dr Anil Kumar J Nayak, National President, IMA, said that medical education must continuously evolve with changing technology. He remarked that true education develops knowledge, practical skills and compassion together. He also encouraged doctors and students to maintain good physical and mental health, remain stress-free and continue serving society with dedication and ethical values.Dr Yagna Umesh Shukla, Chairman, NCAHP, said that simulation technology is transforming healthcare education by allowing professionals to practice complex procedures in a safe environment before treating patients. He highlighted the Commission’s ongoing reforms, including competency-based curricula for allied healthcare programmes, and expressed confidence that such initiatives would improve the quality and standardization of healthcare education across India.Dr Neelam Mohan, President, IAP, emphasized that investment in quality medical education and child healthcare is an investment in the nation’s future. She stressed the need for competency-based training, interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous professional development. Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences with the IAP, the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), and a tripartite MoU with Laerdal Medical India and Addison Educational Services. Dr Rajeev Sood said these collaborations would further strengthen the University’s mission of advancing simulation-based medical education, academic excellence and skill development. The day featured scientific lectures, panel discussions, live demonstrations and hands-on simulation workshops conducted by eminent faculty members from premier medical institutions across the country.
