The Aryavarth Express:
New Delhi, April 7: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in collaboration with the Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Science Foundation (GMPSF), आयोजित the 16th India Probiotic Symposium on March 27–28, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium in New Delhi. The event, themed “Gut Microbiome and Probiotics: Impact from Cradle to Centenarians,” brought together leading clinicians, researchers, and global experts to discuss the growing role of microbiome science in preventive and clinical healthcare.
The symposium began with a welcome address by N. K. Ganguly, President of GMPSF and former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research. He emphasized the increasing importance of microbiome research in shaping the future of healthcare practices.
Delivering the chief guest address, Rajiv Gauba, Member of the NITI Aayog, underlined the role of gut microbiota in strengthening immunity, improving metabolism, and supporting preventive healthcare. He warned that rising consumption of ultra-processed foods in India could negatively impact long-term public health and productivity.
Linking health to national development, Gauba highlighted the importance of healthcare investment in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. He cited initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Jan Aushadhi, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for improving access and reducing healthcare costs. He also called for greater promotion of generic medicines, expanded use of digital health and telemedicine, and stronger efforts to counter misinformation around probiotics, while integrating traditional knowledge with modern genomics.
A key academic session titled “Interpreting a Gut Microbiome Study – What the Data Really Means?” was delivered by Vineet Ahuja of AIIMS. The session emphasized the need for scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant interpretation of microbiome data as such interventions gain prominence in personalized healthcare.
Neerja Hajela, General Secretary of GMPSF, noted that the symposium featured discussions on gut microbiome changes across different life stages and the impact of diet and lifestyle on gut health. Experts also explored the role of microbiome science in addressing conditions such as malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and age-related diseases.
The two-day event included participation from over 19 national and international experts and provided a platform for young researchers to present their work and engage with leading scientists. The symposium reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and public awareness in advancing microbiome research and improving health outcomes across all age groups.
