Description

Overview The esteemed Chief Guest, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, graced the inauguration of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (“WALS”) 2025 Conference, hosted by Dr R. K. Mishra at the World Laparoscopy Hospital, Gurugram, on 8–9 February 2025. Themed “Recent Advances in Minimal Access Surgery”, this global congress marked a milestone in bringing together surgical innovators, clinicians and experts from across the world. Significance of the Event The presence of Rajnath Singh underscored the government’s support for innovation in medical technology and surgery, highlighting the role of minimally invasive procedures in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in India and globally. Under the stewardship of Dr R. K. Mishra (Organising Chairman) and his team, WALS 2025 was positioned as a platform for cutting‐edge surgical education, live demonstrations, robotics and global collaborations. The event emphasized the convergence of medicine, technology and international partnership—with over 100 countries expected to participate, thereby raising India’s profile in the domain of minimal‐access surgery. Key Highlights from the Inaugural Address Dr R. K. Mishra’s Role & Vision As Director of the World Laparoscopy Hospital and Organising Chairman of WALS 2025, Dr Mishra conceptualised the conference to focus on recent advances in minimal access and robotic surgery. He has consistently promoted skill‐based training, hands‐on workshops, video demonstrations and global faculty participation—ensuring that practitioners not only observe but also adopt best practices. Under his guidance, WALS 2025 offered a multidisciplinary platform—bringing general surgeons, gynaecologists, urologists, and other specialists together to discuss cross‐cutting innovations and patient‐centric care. Conclusion The meeting of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Dr R. K. Mishra at WALS 2025 is more than a ceremonial moment—it encapsulates India’s ambition to lead in surgical innovation, skills development and global collaboration in healthcare. The conference serves as a catalyst for future growth, showing how medical science, government policy and global dialogue can converge to make advanced care accessible, efficient and globally relevant.