Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave 2025:

Received From HBCH&RC Punjab on Saturday 23rd August 2025 at 5:22 PM Regarding Cancer Conclave

 Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Inaugurates Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery

Chandigarh: Saturday: 23rd August 2025: (Media link Ravinder//Punjab Screen)::

On the second day of the three-day Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC) 2025, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery facility at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab.

The prestigious conclave, being held at the campus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh, has brought together leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts from across the country to deliberate on the latest innovations in cancer treatment, care, and prevention.

The ceremony was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. During the event, he inaugurated Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab. Commending the hospital’s contributions to cancer care in the region, the Governor said, "Over the past 80 years, Tata Memorial Centre has carved out a unique identity in the field of cancer treatment worldwide. With the alarming rise in the number of cancer patients in our country, the expansion of TMC has become a necessity. Today, there are nine centers established across India, two of which are in Punjab—a region that was in dire need of such advanced facilities."

The second edition of Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave witnessed participation from distinguished medical leaders including Dr. Shripad D. Banavali, Director (Academics), Tata Memorial Centre; Dr. A.K. Attri, Director Principal, GMCH-32 Chandigarh, Dr. Satyajit Pradhan, Director, HBCH & MPMMCC Varanasi, and Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director, HBCH&RC Vizag.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, followed by the release of the Annual Magazine and the much-awaited launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab —a milestone in advanced cancer treatment for the region.

Highlighting environmental and lifestyle-related factors, the Governor remarked on the rising cancer burden, "Industrial pollution, contamination of the Sutlej river, increased use of chemical fertilizers, and lifestyle changes are all contributing to the rise of cancer cases. It is essential to focus on prevention and awareness while addressing the root causes of cancer if we are to control its spread."

Speaking about national health initiatives, he added, "A healthy individual is the foundation of a healthy society, and a healthy society is the foundation of a healthy nation. No country can progress without health as its top priority. In 2013-14, India’s health budget was ₹33,000 crore. Today, it has increased to ₹1 lakh crore, a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to healthcare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Praising HBCH&RC’s preventive campaigns, the Governor said, "The hospital has screened more than 1.7 lakh people for early detection of cancer and treated many patients at an early stage. This is a remarkable achievement."

Launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab

The introduction of robotic surgery marks a transformative leap in cancer treatment at HBCH&RC, Punjab. This cutting-edge technology enables surgeons to perform complex cancer surgeries with greater precision, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery times. With this launch, HBCH&RC becomes one of the very few government cancer hospitals in North India to offer robotic-assisted surgical care, ensuring that patients from Punjab and neighboring states have access to world-class cancer treatment without the need to travel outside the region.

In a patient-centric initiative, Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH&RC Punjab announced that the first 80 robotic surgeries for patients in the general category will be provided free of cost.

On this occasion, Director Gulia, highlighted the vision of the conclave, "HBCC 2025 is a confluence of science, innovation, and collaboration. Our mission is to bring cutting-edge cancer treatment to patients while creating an ecosystem where knowledge and research directly translate into improved patient care. The launch of robotic cancer surgery aligns with our commitment to precision oncology, ensuring that no patient in Punjab has to travel far for advanced treatment."

He further added, "We are delighted to have over 400 experts and delegates joining us for HBCC 2025. I extend my gratitude to NMIMS for supporting us in hosting this academic event in North India. We remain committed to advancing education and awareness about common cancers across the region."

The session also featured academic discussions on molecular pathology, gynecological and genitourinary cancers, pediatric oncology, breast oncology, and musculoskeletal oncology, along with masterclasses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

The conclave is hosting lectures, debates, panel discussions, and a special Cancer Awareness Walkathon at Sukhna Lake.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Alok K. Goel, Organizing Secretary, who acknowledged the contributions of dignitaries, faculty, and delegates in making HBCC 2025 a landmark event in the fight against cancer.

Free rapid testing for Covid-19 for GCG students

Friday: 9th October 2020 at 3:23 PM  

 Iron, Folic acid and Zinc tablets were also distributed    

Ludhiana: 10th October 2020: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen)::                     

A team of doctors from Punjab Health Department organized a camp, conducting free rapid testing for Covid-19 as a precautionary measure at Govt. College for Girls, Ludhiana. Dr. Seema Kaushal, Medical Officer UCHC, Jawaddi conducted Corona Awareness Drive to make people aware of the causes of infection so that the recovery rate gets better and mortality rate comes down. She gave valuable tips on nutritious and healthy diet. Moreover, to build a strong immunity against this virus Iron and Folic acid tablets and Zinc tablets were also distributed. The camp successfully accomplished under the able guidance of Officiating Principal Dr. Gurpreet Kaur and Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur, Incharge Student Council.  

Three Positive cases reported in Ludhiana in last 24 hours

ICMR team does random sampling in District

Ludhiana: 26th May 2020: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen)::

Deputy Commissioner Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal today informed that two new positive cases have been reported in district Ludhiana in last 24 hours. He informed that till date, a total of 6143 samples have been taken, out of which report of 5968 has been received, report of 5701 samples is negative and report of 175 samples is pending.

He said that now, the total number of patients related to Ludhiana is 181, while 86 patients are related to other districts/states. He said that unfortunately 7 people from Ludhiana and 5 from other districts have lost their lives. He said that 139 patients related to district Ludhiana have been discharged from hospital after treatment.

He informed that out of the total three positive cases reported in last 24 hours include a husband-wife duo, residents of village Khanpur near Dehlon. Both of them had returned from West Bengal on May 23, 2020, a 50 years Male, who works as Security Staff in Air India and is a Permanent Resident of Delhi. He had come back from Delhi on May 25, 2020 by domestic flight at Sahnewal Airport. The report of other 10 passengers is negative.

He informed that till date, 6312 persons have been kept under home quarantine in the district and at present, the number of such persons is 2031. Today, 68 persons were sent for home quarantine.

He said that whenever District Administration and Health Department Ludhiana finds out that about any positive or suspected COVID 19 person, their samples are immediately sent for testing. Similarly, 116 samples of suspected patients were sent for testing today and their results are expected shortly.

He appealed to the residents to follow all directions of the Punjab government and if they would stay indoors, they would not only stay safe themselves, but would also contribute in keeping everyone around safe.

Random Sampling Done b ICMR Team in Ludhiana

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) team from Delhi under the guidance of Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu, Health Minister, Punjab, visited various areas of the district. Blood samples were taken at random to check the level of immunity against COVID.

Giving information in this regard, Civil Surgeon Ludhiana Dr. Rajesh Kumar Bagga said that today ICMR team from Delhi visited village Baddowal under block Sudhar, Majri village under Sidhwan Bet, Doraha under Payal, Ghungrali village under Manupur, Sham Nagar area in the city and random samples of people's blood have been taken for testing. He said that the main purpose of taking samples is to check the level of immunity of the people against COVID.

GCG girls celebrated World Mosquito Day

Aug 22, 2019, 2:31 PM

The students also explained the safety measures

Ludhiana: 22nd August 2019: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen)::

The department of Zoology of Govt. College for Girls, Ludhiana celebrated World Mosquito Day under the aegis of Hon'ble Principal Dr. Manju Sahni. Students from B.Sc. (Medical) III acquainted hostlers and workers with various kinds of mosquitoes and their diseases through posters. The students also explained the safety measures related to it. Principal Dr. Manju Sahni appreciated the efforts to run this awareness programme under science society.  College vice principal Mrs. Varinderjit Kaur, Program inchaege Dr. Madhvi Vasisht, Mrs. Kirpal Kaur, Dr. Anita Joshi, Mrs. Kiran Gupta and Mr. Falwinder Verma took part in this awareness campaign.

Rare surgery first time in Ludhiana for erectile dysfunction

Nov 21, 2018, 3:06 PM

This problem is rising in our society

Ludhiana: 21st November 2018: (Punjab Screen Bureau):: 

Surjit Singh (name changed) was on the verge of breaking his second marriage because of his erectile dysfunction when he consulted Dr Anand Sehgal, Director, Urology, Deep Hospital, Model town, Ludhiana. Surjit is a non resident Indian residing in Canada and could not find any answer to his problem there. Doctor in Deep Hospital diagnosed his problem as erectile dysfunction and suggested him surgery for the same.

On 17th November he was taken up for penile implant surgery in fully equipped extra modern operation theater of Deep Hospital. The surgery involves insertion of imported inflatable silicone cylinders resulting in absolutely normal erectile function. Most important precaution to be taken during this surgery is to maintain bacteria free environment throughout the procedure and precise installation of the implant. Surgery took 2.5 hours and completed successfully. The implant put in was from American Medical Systems (AMS) company which is number one in the world for making these implants. The patient was taking food the same evening and was discharged from hospital on second postoperative day.

This surgery is a boon for those patients of erectile dysfunction who do not respond to medical treatments. This problem can be due to different conditions including diabetes mellitus, decreased blood supply (due to atherosclerosis), hormonal imbalance etc. This problem is rising in our society due to life style changes (sedentary life style), stress, lack of exercise, addictions especially smoking and unhealthy dietary habits.

Dr Baldeep Singh, Managing Director of Deep Hospital said that world class reconstructive urology work is being done in his state of the art hospital so that people do not need to go to other cities or out of country for this kind of advanced surgeries.

World Cancer Day Celebrated by Deep Hospital Ludhiana

[17:40, 2/3/2018] 

Awareness Programe Organised by Dr. Amit Dhiman

Ludhiana: 3rd February, 2018: (Shalu Arora//Punjab Screen)::

Cancer Awareness Programe was organised by Deep Hospital, Ludhiana. More than­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 70 patients and their relatives attended the programme. Separate rounds of Interaction were held and a lot of queries regarding Cancer were resolved. The whole session was followed by question-answer round on various scenarios of daily life.

Programe was held under the supervision of Dr. Amit Dhiman Director & Senior consultant, Cancer and Hematology services, Bone Marrow transplant specialist

Giving information regarding Cancer, Dr.Amit said What is Cancer? In simple terms, cancer is an abnormal growth of body cells. Each one of us is born with a potential for cancer. One cannot "Catch" it as one would an infection or a cold. When the programming of a cell or a group of cells is affected, growth may become uncontrolled. Some of the factors that can alter the code are chronic irritation, tobacco, smoke and dust, radioactive substances, age, sex, race and heredity. While one cannot control many of these factors , we need to be aware of the ones we can control of. Prevention is definitely better than treatment of cancer.

What Causes Cancer?

Consumption of tobacco especially smoking, which is 1 out of 4 causes of cancer ,workplace chemicals like asbestos , old age people are more prone to cancer, Lifestyle ,diet and some specific type of virus and radiation may also cause cancer . Some cancers are also genetic in nature.

What are the signs of Cancer?

A Persistent Sore especially if it is in the mouth, on the lip or on tongue. 

Lumps or Masses which appear where none were present previously should arouse suspicion of cancer. 

Unexplained or abnormal bleeding from any body opening.

Persistent indigestion or change in bowel habits, while usually due to other causes, are often caused in the intestinal tract and should be reported.

Persistent hoarseness or cough of abnormal duration deserves a careful examination by your doctor.

Unexplained loss of weight may be due to many things but may also be due to hidden cancer.

How important is screening and which all cancers can be screened .

Screening means looking for early signs of a particular disease in healthy people who do not have any symptoms. Screening for cancer aims to find cancers as early as possible - when the chance of cure is highest. There are established Screening tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer. 

There are also tests to detect prostate Cancer and Ovarian Cancer.

How can cancer be prevented?

Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer -most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.

How is cancer treated?

Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer (how much it has spread), age, health status, and additional personal characteristics. There is no single treatment for cancer, and patients often receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Treatments usually fall into one of the following categories: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or gene therapy

Meditation is the ultimate remedy for all diseases–Dr. Satish Gupta

Sun, Mar 12, 2017 at 6:56 PM
A Seminar on act and science of meditation

Ludhiana: 12 March 2017: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Dr. Satish Gupta–the Rajyoga Meditation Practitioner and the Principal Investigator and Coordinator of 'Coronary Artery Disease Regression through Healthy and Happy Heart Lifestyle Module' – a multidisciplinary research project since 1995 at J. Watumull Global Hospital and Research Centre under Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University, Mount Abu, was here in Ludhiana on Sunday evening at Guru Nanak Public School Auditorium, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana to teach Ludhianvis the act and science of meditation for happy, healthy life. A number of national and international awards are to his credit in the field of medicine, meditation, and cardiology.

The program was organized by Ludhiana District branch of Brahma Kumaris organization under the leadership of B.K. Raj Didi Ji.BK Amir Chand director Punjab Zone and BK Saras didi were also present there. Mayor of Ludhiana Harcharan Singh Golbadiya and chairman GNPS S Jasbir Singh also attended the program.

While quenching the thirst of the audience regarding happy healthy living in a natural way, Dr. Gupta apprised the various causes of diseases in the present scenario, in contrast, to need and technique of meditation to stay healthy. Dr. Gupta is globally renowned for clearing the blockages of coronary arteries without surgery, mere by lifestyle modifications, diet, exercise, through process charge and mediation.

He further elaborated that generally, we live in body and role consciousness, whereas we need o lie in soul consciousness. We all try to treat bodily ailments, whereas the root cause is at our mental and spiritual level. In very simple but scientific way he made the public understand that more than 200 lifestyle diseases prevalent in our society live HT, DM. hyper/hypothyroidism, obesity, cardiac diseases, cancer, stroke, skin-lung diseases, high cholesterol, GI diseases etc. and also the increasing road accidents, suicides, social riots are also linked to mental causes life – anger, anxiety, fear, tension, stress, greed, lust, ego, hostile nature etc.

He clarified the meaning of the word 'Human Being'. Human is from 'Humus' mean 'soil' and being means 'soul' – the difference is of 'I' and 'U'. Out of the two 'soul and the associated mind' & intellect be given priority instead of humus/soil/body.

We are living very inadvertently with wrong dietary, sleep, and behavioral patterns. We eat, drink and live for the sake of our body only and take no care of soul and mind. We need to control, reframe and organize our thoughts to get rid of all ailments of physical, mental, social, spiritual level. Its the only ultimate remedy to realize and revise time and again.

We all are living souls and the Supreme God is the Father of all of us. We need to realize the connection between Him and us and the brotherly connection among us also. If we take care of our inner-self then out-self will automatically be corrected and healed. He explained the 7 basic qualities of soul like knowledge. Happiness, peace, love, bliss, purity and power. He apprised the audience how ASIA i.e. Analysis, Synthesis, Integration, Assimilation can help to overcome live evils i.e. lust anger, greed, attachment, ego.

He gave a very effective, simple practice of mediation and taught how to make the relation between I soul as a son and the Supreme Soul God as the father to gain powers to heal and be happy.

Free Multi-Specialty Medical Check-Up Camp by IMA

Sun, Sep 21, 2014 at 1:51 PM

More than 100 patients were examined 

Ludhiana: 21st September 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau):
A monthly  free multi-specialty medical check-up camp was organized in IMA House on 21-9-2014 (Sunday) by IMA Ludhiana in association with Health Department Ludhiana & Punjab Medical Representative Association Ludhiana.
More than 100 patients were examined in the camp. Blood test and ECG were done free. Medicines were distributed to the needy patients free of cost.
The following doctors attended the medical camp Dr. R K Sharma, Dr. Deepak Parasher, Dr. Narjit Kaur, Dr. Deepak K. Gupta, Dr. Divya Arora and Dr. Neeraj Aggarwal and many others .

NRI established an eye clinic in memory of mother

Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 11:50 AM
First eye check-up camp on 26th Jan.

Ludhiana: 20 Jan 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

In this world everybody think about himself but there are some people who care about the humanity.   Mr Harjinder Singh Gill a NRI from USA, a resident of village Rania, Sangrur road, Ludhiana is one of them who established Guru Nanak Charitable Eye Clinic in the memories of his mother late Smt. Bhagwan Kaur. Mr. Gill told that how he made the mind to establish this clinic on guidelines he learned from his mother. Mr. Gill finance this clinic and his cousin Mr Man Singh Gill a Retired Professor from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Ludhiana construct the clinic and will be managed by him. Brigadier M S Gujral CEO, Sankara Eye Hospital, Moga road , Ludhiana inaugurated the clinic. In this remarks Mr Gujral assures all support to this clinic because it associates with Sankara Eye Hospital. The preliminary chek-up will be done at the clinic and patients will be operated at Hospital. The facilities like eye testing with computer, eye sight testing and first aid will be available. Dr J S Bhatti, Prof & Head, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University was the special Guest. He appreciated the efforts of Gill family for the people of their village and adjoining area. The sarpanch of Rania Mr. Charanjit Singh thanks the Gill family for establishing of eye clinic in the village and guests and people present at the occasion. Mr Man Singh announce at the first eye check-up camp will be organized on 26th Jan 2014 and request the people to come for check-up.    

Milk is the nectar of life

Sat, Dec 7, 2013 at 5:09 PM
English Essay Competition conducted by Indian Dairy Association

Ludhiana- 7th December 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen): Milk is the nectar of life and is an essential component for the growth and maintenance of human health in general and that of the children in the growing stage in particular. This was stated here today by Dr. Suresh Tandon, Vice-Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, while delivering his address on the occasion of Prize Distribution to the toppers of English Essay Competition on “MILK IS THE NECTAR OF LIFE” conducted by Indian Dairy Association North Zone to commemorate World Milk Day on   1st November, 2013. 
 Dr. Tandon stressed upon the students present in the function to understand the goodness of milk for their health and ensure that milk is an essential part of their daily diet as it provides a variety of nutrients consisting of Fat, Protein, Minerals & Vitamins which are necessary for the growth of their body & brain. He emphasised that the students should remember that health is of prime importance for everybody’s life and it was the time for them to pay due attention to their health which will stand in good stead in their life to come. He also cautioned them against the menace of adulteration which is gaining ground in milk & milk products. He advised them to remain vigilant against the miscreants who indulge in adulteration and production of spurious products. Not only they should not consume such products but also they should help the concerned authorities to bring such elements to the book.
 Mr. Inderjit Singh, Chairman, Indian Dairy Association, North Zone (Punjab Chapter) –cum- Director, Dairy Development Department, said  that the main purpose was to arouse awareness among the school children about the utility of milk in their growing age and to motivate them to make drinking of milk a habit. He went on to explain that the future of the nation, society and the mankind is in the hands of our children, whose health is a matter of prime concern. The state which was known for healthy youth is loosing its position in the field of sports and army recruitments due to the fitness problems. Therefore, there is a need to revive the health consciousness among the younger generation. The role of milk in this context cannot be underestimated. Disclosing the efforts of the Govt. to increase the availability of milk in the state, he informed that Dairy Training & Extension Services are provided round the year and a variety of incentives are given to establish new dairy units. With these efforts state at present produces 266 lac liters milk daily which works out to availability of 961 gms. per capita. He appealed to the students to drink good quality milk daily for their proper growth both physically & mentally.  
In Essay writing competition, Manisha Rani of Mai Nikko Devi Sr. Secondary School Mansa, Arshdeep Singh of St. R N A Gurukul School Hoshiarpur and Priya Rebecca of New Sr.  Sec Sechool Faridkot stood first, second and third and got a cash prize of Rs 5000/- Rs 3000/- and Rs 2000/- respectively.
 Dr. Inderpreet Kullar, Dairy Economist, GADVASU,         Dr. Nitika Goyal, Nutritionist, GADVASU & Dr. F.C. Shukla, Nutritionist, Ex. Prof., Deptt. of Food Technology, P.A.U., Ludhiana and Mr. Dilbag Singh Deputy Director Animal Husbandry were also presdent on this occasion.

8 members medical relief team returned from Uttrakhand

 Tue, Jul 16, 2013 at 4:08 PM
People are reeling under severe health problems 

The people in the disaster affected areas around Uttarkashi are reeling under severe health problems and they require long term planning for a comprehensive health care. This was the impression gathered by 8 members medical relief team by the joint efforts of  Indian Doctors For Peace & Development (IDPD), IMA Ludhiana, Punjab Medical Representatives Association and Whole Sale Chemists Association which went to several interior villages and gave medicines to the needy. They climbed on difficult terrains for several kilometers carrying medicines and crossed on man pulled trolleys over the overflowing raging Ganges to reach inaccessible areas. In addition to holding camps to examine the patients, they visited serious patients in their home and gave preventive and curative treatment including intravenous infusions. Large no of population particularly women and children were found to be anaemic and poorly nourished. The infectious diseases particularly abdominal, skin and chest were rampant. Women folk, because they have to bear most of the workload including carrying fodder fuel in form of wood, on their back were found to be having backache and other degenerative problems. The female doctors in the team Dr Mrs NEELAM SANDHU and Dr Miss RACHANA BAWA said that women and children were more affected by anaemia & other diseases of poor nourishment. In addition women had lot many gynaecological disorders. Dr. S. K. PRABHAKAR, 

a psychiatrist in the team found that the large no of population in the affected area were suffering from anxiety, post traumatic stress disorders. He gave them psychological counseling and encouraged them to move forward. Dr. SHAKIL-UR-REHMAN, a paediatrician found underdevelopment among the children. Dr. ARUN MITRA, General secretary IDPD and Former President IMA Ludhiana, who led the team said that there is need for a continuity of work on the health care. People have to be given basic health education to improve their hygiene & surroundings and their nutritional status needs to be improved to strengthen immunity. Efforts have to be made for gender equality particularly for the nutritional status of women. The team further expressed feelings from their observation & information that the collateral damage could have been much less if effective steps would have been taken earlier to avoid damage to the ecosystem and environment by the administration and the people. They also demanded long term planning to preserve  ecology by preventing deforestation & adopting development strategy keeping the environment into consideration to avoid any such disaster in future. The team members were anguished at that some political parties, instead of taking it as a  humanitarian cause were using it for their political ends.
The team had left on 7th July 2013 and stayed in the region for almost a week. On their way back they had to wait for 9 hours on the road due to landslides. The medical relief team got logistic support from the Uttarkashi district health authorities, police and several social activists.

A medical relief team left for Uttrakhand today