RAIPUR, October 16, 2026 — Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) remains a critical global health threat and ranks among the top 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To address this urgent healthcare challenge, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda, Punjab, hosted the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference (ASPICON 2026) from October 8 to 11, under the auspices of the Society ofAntimicrobial Stewardship Practices in India (SASPI). The national forum brought together experts from across the country to outline strategic solutions aimed at promoting effective stewardship practices and curbing AMR. A 10-member multidisciplinary delegation from AIIMS Raipur—comprising pharmacologists, microbiologists, an infectious disease physician, senior and junior residents, and an intern—represented the institute on this national platform. Faculty members Dr. Nitin Gaikwad, Dr. Pugazhenthan T., and Dr. Prashant Badole participated as resource experts, sharing insights on advanced stewardship strategies. Additionally, Dr. Abhijit Kumar Prasad, Member Secretary of the AMSP Committee at AIIMS Raipur, presented an institutional roadmap detailing AIIMS Raipur's ongoing stewardship initiatives during the experience- sharing session. The delegation earned widespread recognition at the event through several research and academic awards. In the oral paper presentation category, Dr. Krishnapriya N. and Dr. Sajitha V. secured the first and second prizes, respectively. Dr. Abhijit Kumar Prasad bagged the third prize in the poster presentation category, while Dr. Gargee Mishra, Dr. Nihilan S., Dr. Erriswami Taluru, and Dr. Medhansh Biradar also presented their research findings. Demonstrating strong clinical knowledge, the team of Dr. Krishnapriya, Dr. Nihilan, and Dr. Erriswami secured fourth place in the National AMSP Quiz out of 39 competing institutions nationwide. The AMSP framework implemented at AIIMS Raipur received high praise from national delegates and senior faculty throughout the four-day event. Commending the team 39;s academic achievement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ashok Jindal (Retd.), Executive Director and CEO, alongside Prof. (Dr.) Eli Mohapatra, Dean of Academics at AIIMS Raipur, congratulated the winners. The Executive Director encouraged the team to integrate the key takeaways from the conference directly into the institute’s clinical practices to further strengthen antimicrobial governance.