On the second day of the three-day Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC) 2025, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator 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 conclave, hosted at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh, has brought together leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts from across India. The event serves as a platform for deliberations on new developments in cancer treatment, care, and prevention.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor praised Tata Memorial Centre’s global contribution to cancer care. He remarked, “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 cancer patients in India, the expansion of TMC has become vital. Today, there are nine centres across India, including two in Punjab—a region that was in urgent need of such facilities.”
The ceremony also featured prominent medical experts 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 programme began with a welcome address by Dr Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH&RC Punjab. The release of the Annual Magazine and the official launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC followed, marking a milestone in advanced cancer treatment for North India.
Governor Highlights Cancer Causes and Health Investment
Governor Kataria drew attention to the growing cancer burden and the factors behind it. He said, “Industrial pollution, contamination of the Sutlej river, increased use of chemical fertilisers, and lifestyle changes are fuelling cancer cases. It is essential to focus on prevention and awareness while addressing the root causes of cancer.”
He also underlined the government’s rising commitment to healthcare. “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 prioritising health. In 2013-14, India’s health budget was ₹33,000 crore. Today, it has reached ₹1 lakh crore, a reflection of the Government of India’s commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he said.
The Governor further lauded HBCH&RC’s preventive campaigns. “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,” he noted.
Robotic Surgery Brings Precision Care to Punjab
The launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab marks a transformative step in regional cancer care. The technology allows surgeons to perform complex operations with high precision, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery. HBCH&RC now joins the ranks of a few government cancer hospitals in North India offering robotic-assisted surgical treatment. Patients from Punjab and neighbouring states will benefit from world-class care without travelling outside the region.
In a significant patient-friendly initiative, Dr Gulia announced that the first 80 robotic surgeries for patients in the general category will be free of cost. He outlined the vision of the conclave, saying, “HBCC 2025 is a confluence of science, innovation, and collaboration. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge cancer treatment while ensuring research translates into patient care. The launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery reflects our commitment to precision oncology and accessible advanced treatment in Punjab.”
He added, “We are pleased to welcome over 400 experts and delegates to HBCC 2025. I extend gratitude to NMIMS for supporting us in hosting this academic event in North India. We remain committed to promoting education and awareness about common cancers across the region.”
The conclave featured sessions on molecular pathology, gynaecological and genitourinary cancers, paediatric oncology, breast oncology, and musculoskeletal oncology. Experts also conducted masterclasses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Alongside academic discussions, HBCC 2025 is hosting lectures, debates, panel discussions, and a Cancer Awareness Walkathon at Sukhna Lake. The day ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Alok K Goel, Organising Secretary, who acknowledged the dignitaries, faculty, and delegates for making HBCC 2025 a landmark event in India’s fight against cancer.
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