4th Annual Meeting (SPCCC-2026)
Main Conference (April 26, 2026)
The 4th National Conference of the Society of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care (SPCCC-2026) was inspired by the timeless invocation to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom and learning. Organized by the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, the conference brought together experts and trainees from across the country to advance the science and practice of pediatric cardiac intensive care. It provided a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting innovation in the management of critically ill children with congenital and acquired heart diseases.
The conference was designed around the principles of physiology-driven intensive care and evidence-based practice. It featured a diverse scientific program that included didactic lectures, case-based discussions, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, scientific paper presentations, and interactive educational activities. SPCCC-2026 emphasized multidisciplinary collaboration and practical skill development, equipping participants to translate contemporary evidence into bedside clinical practice. A total of 120 doctors attended the conference in person, while 41 participated online.
Conference Highlights
- Over 60 distinguished national faculty members representing leading pediatric cardiac centers across India.
- Sessions on hemodynamic monitoring, cardiopulmonary physiology, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and nutritional management.
- Case-based discussions focused on clinical decision-making through real-world challenges.
- Expert panel discussions on pre-operative and post-operative care, low cardiac output syndrome, ventilation strategies, and vaccination in children with congenital heart disease.
- Dedicated sessions addressing Artificial Intelligence, ethical issues in pediatric cardiac critical care, and Quality Improvement.
- An interactive quiz competition to promote participant engagement and reinforce knowledge.
- Four oral paper presentations and nine poster presentations showcasing original research, quality improvement initiatives, and innovative clinical practices in pediatric cardiac critical care.
- Awards were given for the winners of the Quiz Competition, Best Oral Paper Presentation, and Best Poster Presentation.
- Active participation from pediatric cardiac intensivists, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, surgeons, pediatricians, trainee fellows, residents, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals.
- Excellent interaction between faculty and delegates facilitated collaborative learning and the exchange of best practices.
Basic Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Course (April 25, 2026)
Conducted as a pre-conference workshop, this session featured rotational interactive hands-on skill stations focused on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), echocardiography, ECMO circuit setup and troubleshooting, laboratory skills, and temporary pacemaker setup.
Organizing Committee
Patrons: Drs. D. S. Rana, Ajay Swaroop, Jayashree Sood, A. K. Bhalla, V. K. Malik
Advisors: Dr. Parvathi Iyer, Prof. Arun Baranwal
Organizing Chairpersons: Prof. Raja Joshi, Dr. Reena Khantwal Joshi
Organizing Secretary: Dr. Anil Kumar
Organizing Committee Members: Drs. Rajesh Sharma, Vishal Singh, Neeraj Aggarwal, Mridul Agarwal, C. R. Siddartha, Jasleen Kaur, Avanish Malhotra
Nursing Workshop (April 25, 2026)
The workshop on Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Nursing, themed “Strengthening Our Frontline Warriors,” was an educational initiative dedicated to nurses caring for critically ill children with congenital and acquired heart disease. The interactive workshop aimed to enhance bedside clinical skills, promote evidence-based nursing practices, and strengthen multidisciplinary teamwork within the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Unit. The program included expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, simulation-based learning, and hands-on practical training, enabling participants to gain confidence in managing complex pediatric cardiac patients. Sixty nurses from institutions across the country participated.
It included expert-led sessions on ‘receiving a child after congenital heart surgery’, hemodynamic monitoring, management of children supported on ECMO, post-operative nutritional challenges, pain management, end-of-life care, and an interactive session on prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) from the nursing perspective. It also had rotational hands-on skill stations covering peritoneal dialysis, pleurodesis and chest drain management, non-invasive ventilation, and ECG interpretation. Simulation-based learning was focused on day-to-day clinical scenarios, communication, and bedside decision-making.
Sessions covered topics such as receiving a child after congenital heart surgery, hemodynamic monitoring, management of children on ECMO, post-operative nutritional challenges, pain management, end-of-life care, and an interactive session on preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) from a nursing perspective. Additionally, hands-on skill stations focused on chest drain management and pleurodesis, peritoneal dialysis, non-invasive ventilation, and ECG interpretation. Simulation-based learning emphasized everyday clinical scenarios, communication, and bedside decision-making.
National Convenor: Dr. Jesal Sheth, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai
Local Convenors: Dr. Virender Gehlawat, Manipal Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Akanksha Jain, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
Impact
The SPCCC-2026 contributed to awareness and understanding about the management of critically ill children with congenital and acquired heart disease among pediatricians, intensivists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and trainees. It helped promote evidence-based practices and fostered networking among healthcare professionals from various institutions across India. The conference provided a platform for clinicians, fellows, and trainees to showcase their clinical and academic work, as well as quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, it reinforced the Society’s commitment to academic excellence, clinical innovation, and collaborative growth, further establishing the Society of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care (SPCCC) as a leading national platform for education, research, clinical interaction, and professional development in pediatric cardiac critical care.
PHOTO GALLERY
Workshop on Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Nursing (April 25, 2026)
