The 46th All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG) will be held in Bangalore between January 6 and 9 2003.The event is organised by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecology Societies of India (FOGSI). The theme of this year's event is 'Matruswasthyam Lokaswasthyam' which means 'Health of the mother is the health of the universe.'

The four-day event is expected to break new grounds in reproductive health care. The event will witness a panel of 35 foreign speakers. The main theme of the conference is community obstetrics, adolescent health and advances in infertility. The scientific sessions will delve upon improving public awareness in contraception in the 21st century, menopause, infertility, medico legal problems, stem cell and assisted reproductive technique.

One of the highlights of the meet is a public forum on 'Population stabilisation: The need of the hour,' which will be held with the aim of generating public awareness on the economics and politics of family planning, said Dr. Kamini A Rao. medical director of Bangalore Assisted Conception Centre and organising chairperson AICOG 2003.

A unique feature of the meet is a Pune-Bangalore bicycle rally with the theme 'Destination safe motherhood' has been organised to highlight anaemia eradication as low blood count is the cause of 30 maternity mortality. The rally will create awareness about the dangers a woman faces as she takes on the challenges of motherhood and steps to be taken to prevent it.

There will be around 5,000 participants and 180 exhibitors from the pharmaceutical sector. The latest drugs in gynaecology will be presented.