Medical College of Dr. D. Y. Patil hosts inaugural West Zone and Maharashtra Adolescent Health Conference - ADOLESCON 2025
Empowering Adolescents: Transforming Futures - A Successful Conference at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College
In August 2025, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, hosted the First West Zone and First Maharashtra State Conference on Adolescent Health, known as ADOLESCON 2025. The two-day event, attended by over 500 participants both in person and online, centred around the theme "Empowering Adolescents: Transforming Futures."
The conference was a significant step forward in adolescent healthcare awareness and advocacy. Hon'ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, the college's Dean, emphasized the importance of empowering youth through health education that goes beyond textbooks. Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, another prominent figure at the event, highlighted the significance of the School Health Programme in shaping a healthier and more informed future generation.
Dr. Rekha Arcot, the Dean of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, stated that the School Health Programme reflects the college's proactive role in public health and adolescent care. The programme was conducted at the Global International School, coordinated by Dr. Shradha Salunkhe, and reached over 150 students with sessions focused on mental well-being, social media behaviour, and decision-making.
The event featured a Youth Workshop inaugurated by Dr. A. Rekha, the Dean, with insights shared by dignitaries such as Dr. Jayant Pandharikar (Executive Board, West Zone, Central IAP) and Dr. Shailaja Mane (Professor and Head of Paediatrics). A dedicated paediatric workshop for postgraduate students was also provided, offering academic and clinical exposure in adolescent health.
The conference underscored the importance of adolescent-focused healthcare and aimed to raise awareness and advocacy for adolescent health issues across the West Zone and Maharashtra state. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, known for its commitment to international benchmarks, is NABH and NABL accredited, Green Hospital certified, and holds the 11th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
For more information about Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, visit medical.dpu.edu.in. Connect with them on Facebook (Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre) and Instagram (dpu.medicalcollege). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015).
The conference concluded with a UNICEF plenary session and Youth Forum, emphasizing the importance of integrating Gen Z voices into public health policy. The event marked a promising stride towards a healthier future for adolescents in the West Zone and Maharashtra state.
- To assure a healthier and more informed future, Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil underlined the relevance of the School Health Programme, which is part of the college's commitment to adolescent care and education-and-self-development.
- Dr. Rekha Arcot, the Dean, mentioned that the School Health Programme is not only indicative of the college's active role in public health but also reflects its dedication to mental-health, health-and-wellness, and personal-growth.
- Alongside the School Health Programme, the conference offered a dedicated paediatric workshop for postgraduate students, providing them with learning opportunities in science, academic growth, and clinical exposure in adolescent health.
- To further its reach and impact, the UNICEF plenary session and Youth Forum were held at the conclusion of the conference, aiming to integrate Gen Z voices into policy-making, fostering learning, and promoting events focused on adolescent health and well-being.
