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.

Early Opening of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital

29th August 2021 at 2:07 PM

CS Begins Weekly Review for the Project in New Chandigarh

•Asks stakeholders to achieve targets for making Rs 664-crore cancer tertiary care facility operational by November

•Installation of radiology equipment, other machines in 300-bed state-of-the-art centre begins

Chandigarh: 29th August 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

In order to ensure opening of the upcoming Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Medicity at New Chandigarh (Mohali), Punjab Chief Secretary, Ms Vini Mahajan, has started weekly review of the progress of prestigious project, while asking all the stakeholders to ensure that the ultra-modern cancer tertiary care facility is made operational by November.

 

The Chief Secretary was jointly reviewing progress of the project with Director Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai Dr RA Badwe, Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education Alok Shekhar and Principal Secretary PWD Vivek Pratap, here. She had visited the project site to review the progress and assess the current status of the ambitious health institution, coming up in the vicinity of Chandigarh PGIMER, last week.  

 

It was decided at the meeting that all pending works in C-wing shall be completed before September 15 in order to enable the installation of radiology equipment at the earliest.

In order to make functional the essential facilities like patient care areas and installation of machines, Ms Mahajan said the installation of the Linac machine in D-wing should begin from September 3. She also enquired about the status of various hospital and office furniture.

 

Dr RA Badwe apprised the Chief Secretary that the procurement of furniture and other equipment was on track and will be delivered onsite within the fixed timeframe.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress, Ms Mahajan asked the entire project executing team to achieve and finish targets as per the schedule as the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has also desired to make available the 300-bed state-of-the-art cancer hospital to the people at the earliest, which would provide tertiary care medical services to the entire northern region.

Notably, the Punjab Government has provided 50 acres of land free of cost for the prestigious project being set up with a sanctioned cost of Rs 663.74-crore. The cancer care center will be equipped with high-end diagnostic and treatment facilities such as two linear accelerators, brachytherapy, PECT CT, bone marrow transplant (BMT), CT simulator, MR simulator, interventional radiology and surgical facilities.

PHSC MD Tanu Kashyap, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan, Director Medical Education and Research Dr Sujata Sharma, Director HBCH&RC, New Chandigarh Dr Rakesh Kapoor, officer in-charge HBCH&RC New Chandigarh Dr Ashish Gulia, Assistant Medical Superintendent HBCH&RC Dr Nitin Marathe, SPCL head S Dixit, and AGM SPCL Dr Gurpreet Maan also attended the meeting.

 

 Many Services to be available from November 

 The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh, will start radiotherapy, radiology, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray, mammography, medical oncology, chemotherapy, day-care ward, pathology, laboratory facilities and minor OT, besides initiating OPD services such as surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care preventive oncology for the public from November onwards.