Chandigarh: At the inaugural session of the ISTS Annual Conference 2026, Prof. Vivek Lal described transplantation as the highest calling of surgical science. The ceremony was held on Saturday at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.The session was further graced by the presence of three distinguished guests, Prof. S.N. Mehta (Former Head, Department of Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi), Prof. Mukut Minz (Former Head, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER), and Dr Vatsala Trivedi (a senior transplant surgeon from Mumbai).Also Read: World’s Best Hospitals 2026: Medanta, AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, CMC Vellore in global top 250, 97 Indian hospitals rankedAccording to the Tribune India media news report, the professor further stated, “The dream of a dedicated transplant centre at PGIMER will now become a reality. We will strengthen infrastructure, expand training, and ensure that both the scope and impact of transplantation services are enhanced. Transplantation is the noblest of surgeries—it not only restores life but also rekindles dignity and hope.” Meanwhile, he also paid heartfelt tributes to the pioneers of this field and urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from their journeys. He also lauded the silent yet immensely significant role played by transplant coordinators and donor families.The inaugural session set an impressive tone for ISTS 2026, blending scientific perspectives with reflections on heritage, leadership, and compassion; it also reiterated PGIMER’s commitment to advancing transplantation as a life-saving and life-affirming modality.Medical Dialogues had recently reported that the Union Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that there is currently no proposal to merge or rationalise the governing bodies and standing committees of central autonomous medical institutes such as AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS, RIMS, and NEIGRIHMS. The clarification came in response to an Question raised by MP Prof. Manoj Kumar Jha. Also Read: Will Governing Bodies of PGIMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS be merged? Govt replies to parliamentÂ