Published on: March 22, 2025
PAFMATCON 2024-25: 22nd Annual Conference of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology held at SRHU
The 22nd Annual Conference of the Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (PAFMATCON 2024-25) was successfully held on March 21st and 22nd, 2025, at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun. This year’s conference conducted in a hybrid format, was organized by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, drawing around 300 delegates from across the country.
The conference was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University. Dr. D.S. Bhullar, a distinguished figure in the field, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Alongside them, the dais was occupied by other eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Rajiv Joshi, President of PAFMAT, and Dr. Satinder Pal Singh, General Secretary of PAFMAT.
In the days leading up to the main conference, pre-conference workshops were held on March 18th, 19th, and 20th, covering various topics of great interest to the forensic medicine and toxicology community. These workshops provided valuable learning opportunities for participants and were facilitated by experts in the field.
The conference itself featured a series of invited lectures by eminent experts, offering deep insights into the latest developments in the subject. Additionally, there were engaging panel discussions, as well as scientific paper and poster presentations by faculty members, postgraduate, and undergraduate students. A notable highlight of the event was the Moot Court competition, which allowed participants to showcase their skills in a simulated medico-legal setting.
Dr. Sanjoy Das, Organizing Chairperson of PAFMATCON 2024-25, expressed his gratitude to all the esteemed delegates and participants and to the Swami Rama Himalayan University for the unwavering support. Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, the Organizing Secretary, also thanked the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the conference a resounding success.
A special moment of the event was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Gurmanjit Rai Maan, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Additionally, the Fellowship of PAFMAT was awarded to Dr. Akash Deep Aggarwal, while the Young Forensic Medicine Expert Award was conferred on Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, celebrating his exemplary work in the field.
The conference also provided a dynamic platform for professionals and academics in the field to discuss emerging trends, best practices, and challenges facing the discipline. The hybrid format ensured greater inclusivity, allowing participants from all over the country to join the discussions and presentations.
The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, is dedicated to providing cutting-edge education, research, and training, and the university continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Forensic Medicine in India.
