Anjaneya Tewari, Chandigarh : The Mid Year Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society 2026 (MIDCIPS 2026) was inaugurated today at the Hyatt Regency, Chandigarh. The two day event, running from August 22 to 23, has brought together over 400 psychiatrists and mental health professionals from across India to discuss a pressing issue in modern psychiatric care under the theme, “Polypharmacy: Rational, Irrational and Beyond.”
Addressing the Complexities of Polypharmacy
The conference was officially inaugurated by Dr. TSS Rao, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS). In his keynote address, Dr. Rao highlighted the growing trend of prescribing multiple medicines for the treatment of complex psychiatric conditions. While acknowledging that polypharmacy is sometimes necessary for certain patients, he warned that the unnecessary or inappropriate use of multiple drugs can significantly increase the risk of adverse side effects, dangerous drug interactions, and an overwhelming treatment burden on patients.
Dr. Savita Malhotra, Chairperson of the Conference, elaborated on the core focus of MIDCIPS 2026. She explained that the medical community must better understand when multiple medicines are genuinely required, how they can be managed safely, and when specific medications should be deprescribed.
“The aim is not simply to prescribe fewer medicines, but to ensure that every medicine has a clear purpose and provides a meaningful benefit to the patient,” Dr. Malhotra emphasized, noting that regular medication reviews are crucial to minimizing side effects and improving overall psychiatric care.
Advocating for Youth Mental Health Policies
Beyond clinical medication practices, the conference also addressed broader societal mental health challenges. Dr. Parmod Kumar, Co-Chairperson of the Conference, announced that the Indian Psychiatric Society plans to submit a formal proposal to both Central and State Governments. The proposal seeks structural changes in public policies and the education system to promote better mental health among the youth.
Dr. Kumar stated that mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and life skills must become integral components of the educational curriculum. Such proactive measures, he argued, would equip young people to manage stress and negativity effectively, ultimately fostering positive thinking, healthy behaviors, and responsible citizenship.
Developing National SOPs for Better Care
Throughout the two-day event, experts are delving into critical clinical topics, including rational prescribing, prescription audits, prescription cascades, precision psychiatry, pharmacogenomics, and the specialized treatment of children and other special populations.
A major highlight of MIDCIPS 2026 is a focused working session titled “Developing SOPs for Rational Polypharmacy in India.” During this session, IPS leaders, experts, and members of the CME Committee will collaborate on practical guidelines aimed at forging a national consensus on the safe use of multiple medicines.
As discussions continue into the second day, the conference reinforces a vital paradigm shift in psychiatric treatment: moving from “More Medicines” to “Better Medicines”—ensuring the right drug is given to the right patient, for the right reason, with regular reviews to verify its continued necessity.
