Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), successfully organized a two-day national conference on “Sustainable Health Excellence: Leading Innovation, Advancing Care” on October 30–31, 2026, at Dr. TMA Pai Hall, KMC, Manipal. Held in hybrid mode, the conference brought together 276 participants to discuss healthcare innovation, nursing leadership, research, and sustainable care.

Chief Guest Major Gen. Mathews Jacob, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, inaugurated the conference and emphasized the importance of innovation and creative thinking in advancing healthcare. He also released the conference proceedings during the inaugural session. Ms. Thankam Gomez, Founder and CEO, Cygnia Healthcare, Gurugram, highlighted the role of knowledge, advocacy, and leadership in strengthening the nursing profession.

Dr. Judith A Noronha, Dean, MCON, and Organizing Chairperson, welcomed the gathering and introduced the dignitaries. Dr. Sonia R B D’Souza, Conference Convener, presented the conference objectives and program overview, while Dr. Binu Margaret, Conference Co-convener, proposed the vote of thanks.

A highlight of the first day was the Oration Lecture in memory of the late Dr. Aparna Bhaduri, delivered by Ms. Thankam Gomez on “Advancing Healthcare Leadership and Workforce Excellence.” Moderated by Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose, Professor and Associate Dean, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, the session explored clinical competence, effective communication, patient safety, and continuous professional development as foundations of strong nursing leadership. Ms. Gomez also discussed constructive feedback as a means of supporting team growth.

Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, delivered a keynote session on “Community Engagement and Preventive Health Strategies,” moderated by Dr. Sonia R. B. D’Souza, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, and Conference Convener. He emphasized community participation, trust-building, local resources, and outcome evaluation as essential to sustainable health programs.

The second day opened with a plenary session by Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh, Senior Advisor, One Health and Environmental Health, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi. Speaking on “Sustainable Healthcare Excellence: Leading Innovation and Advancing Care,” he highlighted resilient and climate-responsive healthcare systems, effective governance, preparedness, and financial and environmental sustainability. Dr. Binil V, Additional Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, moderated the session.

Dr. Manjunath, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, MIT, Manipal, addressed “Digital Health and Technological Innovations in Healthcare.” Moderated by Dr. Mamatha S. Pai, Professor and Head, Department of Child Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, the session examined the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, wearable devices, and digital technologies to improve diagnosis, patient monitoring, and care delivery.

The Oration Lecture in memory of the late Prof. P. P. Bhanumathi was delivered by Dr. Judith A. Noronha on “Advancing Nursing Care Through Research, Innovation and Global Collaboration.” Moderated by Dr. Linu Sara George, Professor and Head, Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, the lecture underscored the contribution of evidence-based practice, nurse-led innovation, technological advancements, and global partnerships to safe, high-quality patient care.

The release of Clinical Nursing Procedures, published by CBS Publishers & Distributors, marked another significant occasion. Scientific paper presentations and a poster walk provided opportunities for participants to exchange research findings and innovations in practice.

The valedictory ceremony featured the screening of “Nursing Next Life,” a video highlighting a future vision for nursing through innovation, leadership, and excellence in care. Awards recognized outstanding oral and poster presentations across onsite and online categories.

The conference concluded with participant feedback and appreciation for the speakers, delegates, organizers, and contributors, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable healthcare through knowledge, collaboration, and nursing leadership.

The conference aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through its focus on quality healthcare, professional learning and research exchange. Its emphasis on women’s leadership, equitable healthcare and interdisciplinary collaboration also supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).