In a landmark initiative to address the critical convergence of clinical patient safety, airborne infection mitigation, and sustainable engineering, the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) Mumbai Chapter, in association with the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), is hosting ACREHEALTH 2026 – Air With Care. The premier international conference is taking place on Saturday, 10th October 2026, at Ruby Hall, Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) participating as the Academia Partner.
Bringing together over 350 healthcare administrators, hospital CXOs, infection control specialists, MEPF consultants, and engineering leaders, ACREHEALTH 2026 addresses the critical reality that hospital indoor environments demand engineering solutions far beyond standard commercial air conditioning.
Leadership and inaugural dignitaries
The inaugural ceremony will be graced by distinguished healthcare and institutional leaders:
| CHIEF GUEST & KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr Tarang Gianchandani Group CEO of Healthcare Initiatives at Reliance Foundation & CEO of Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre Dr. Gianchandani will deliver the keynote address emphasizing the critical role of advanced infrastructure, resilient building services, and intelligent engineering in safeguarding clinical outcomes and institutional excellence. |
| GUEST OF HONOUR: Joy Chakraborty Deputy CEO, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre; Chairperson – Continuous Quality Promotion (CQP) Forum, CAHO Mr. Chakraborty will address delegates on elevating operational quality standards, infection surveillance, and the multidisciplinary collaboration required between medical clinicians and facility engineers. |
Gautham Baliga is the Chair and Kishore Karle is the Co-Chair, while Atit Sharma is the Convenor and Devdatta Kadlak is the Co-Convenor for the event.
Unveiling of landmark publications & healthcare white papers
Marking a major milestone in technical governance, the conference hosts the official launch of four specialized Healthcare White Papers and the formal presentation of the ‘Guide to Operation Theatre HVAC Validation’ by Mr. Gautham Baliga (ISHRAE Technical Group Chair – Healthcare; Director, OPAL HVAC & Partner, RSK Consulting):
Room air distribution strategies aimed at infection control in hospital general wards
Authored by: V. Krishnan (Presidential Member, ISHRAE Mumbai) and Dr. Roshini R. Easow, PhD (IIT Bombay)
Indoor air quality monitoring and smart control in hospitals
Authored by: Nitin Naik (Managing Partner, Dew Point)
HVAC design, installation, commissioning, operations, and service requirements for isolation rooms
Authored by: Jitendra Bhambure (Advisor, Blue Star; Member, RTOC Ozone Secretariat UNEP)
Climate-specific building envelope strategies for healthcare facilities: A passive-first approach to IAQ, moisture control, and HVAC energy optimisation
Authored by: Dr Sachin Gupte (Member, ISHRAE TG – Healthcare Group)
Authoritative technical sessions
Airborne infection control in general wards & high-footfall zones: Shankar Rajasekaran (Founder, IMPEC Filters; BIS Member) — Explores ventilation and dilution strategies tailored for OPD corridors and crowded waiting areas.
Managing infection risks during hospital renovations: Dr Bala Ramachandran (Head, Dept. of Intensive Care, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital) — Unpacks dust containment protocols, ICRA guidelines, and airflow management in operating facilities.
Critical HVAC for IVF cleanrooms: Dr Sheetal Singh (Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Hospital Administration, AIIMS New Delhi / NCI Jhajjar) — Outlines airborne contamination control, pressure regimes, and VOC mitigation essential for embryo viability.
HVAC containment for Biosafety Labs (BSL): Prof. (Dr) R. Chandrashekhar (Former Chief Architect, MoHFW; Chairman, IGBC Green Healthcare Rating) — Addresses biosafety isolation, safe-change exhaust filtration, and negative pressure integrity.
Industrial & material innovation: Industry Specialists — Practical operational sessions by engineering leaders covering hygienic AHU standards, acoustic/thermal mineral wool insulation, pre-insulated ducting, and energy-efficient hydronic pumping.
High-impact CXO roundtables
The conference culminates in a high-level Power Session on the ‘Design, Construction, and Operation of Sustainable High-Performance Health Care Facilities,’ moderated by Dr. Lallu Joseph and Mr. Vishal Kapoor (Presidential Member, ISHRAE; MD, MHair). The panel convenes senior leaders including:
• Dr Suvin Shetty (Head, Diagnostics & Academics, Dr. L.H. Hiranandani Hospital)
• Dr Aruna Poojary (Incharge Infection Control, Breach Candy Hospital Trust)
• Payal Thakker (Chairperson, Healthcare Consultants Forum, CAHO)
• Neelesh Shinde (Group CTO & Head – Projects, Jupiter Life Line Hospitals)
• Dr Hardik Ajmera (Medical Director, Saifee Hospital)
• Dr Shivraj Dhaka (Principal Counsellor, CII – IGBC)
In addition, an exclusive, invite-only Healthcare CXO Power Panel: ‘Prescription for Future-Ready Hospitals’ will assemble executive leadership to strategize capital infrastructure resilience, infection mitigation, and net-zero sustainability paths for India’s growing healthcare ecosystem.
About the organisers & media inquiries
• ISHRAE (Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers): Founded in 1981, ISHRAE has over 28,000 professional members and 55+ chapters across India, dedicated to Build Environment and advancing HVAC&R technology, research, education, and energy-efficient building services.
• CAHO (Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations): CAHO represents NABH, NABL, and JCI accredited healthcare institutions across India, fostering continuous quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical operational excellence.