Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ISBMR) organized its second national conference in collaboration with International Osteoporosis foundation (IOF) and Rajasthan Chapter of ISBMR on the 16th of November 2006 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Conference was preceded by the meeting of ISBMR’s Executive Committee in the lawns of the Hotel in a wonderful ambience.

The atmosphere was academic and nearly hundred interested delegates from across the country registered for this one day conference. Dr. Ashok Pangariya, Principal and Controller of S.M.S. Medical College inaugurated the symposium by lighting the lamp. In his opening address, he appreciated the efforts of the Society and expressed his wish to become member of the same. In response Dr. Ambrish Mithal, President of ISBMR conferred honorary life membership on him. Dr. Ambrish Mithal also briefed the gathering about the working and achievements of the Society. The inaugural function ended with a vote of thanks from Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Secretary ISBMR. Dr. Ranu Patni, Secretary RISBMR conducted the Day’s Programme.

The First scientific session was on Osteoporosis. Speakers included Dr. Ambrish Mithal on ‘Bone Quality New Concept’ Dr. Rajesh Khadgawat on ‘Transplantation Bone Diseases’. Dr. Subhash Kukreja, MD on New Therapy for Osteoporosis’ and Dr. Ranu Patni on ‘Treatment of Osteoporosis and Female Genital Cancers’. After the tea break Metabolic bone diseases other than Osteoporosis were in focus. Chief speakers were Dr. Nikhil Tandon on ‘Bone health in Children’ and Dr. Sushil Gupta on ‘Metabolic aspects of fluorosis’. Dr. S. Bhadada presented interesting cases, which astounded the audiences. Session three comprised of a panel discussion on diagnosis of Osteoporosis: Bone densitometry and bone markers. The panelists Dr. Sudhakar Rao, Dr. Subhash Kukreja and Dr. Ambrish Mithal held the audience captive with their expert discussion on the subject while Dr. Nikhil Tandon moderated in an interesting manner.

Even the delegates were so interactive that the academic discussions continued for long over dinner.

The eminent faculty and the knowledgeable delegates all agreed that Metabolic Bone Diseases especially Osteoporosis, Vitamin D deficiency and Fluorosis formed a significant diseases burden in the Indian society and needed to be addressed more aggressively. Moreover, many of these ailments are preventable through simple measures like diet and lifestyle modifications. Large-scale programs therefore need to be designed by the government in partnership with the private health sector, keeping in mind local socio-cultural and economic pattern and their implementation ensured.

Over all it was a very satisfying and successful conference and carried the goals of ISBMR many steps ahead.