On the second day of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC) 2025, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurated the state-of-the-art Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery facility at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab.
The prestigious conclave, hosted at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh, gathered leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore the latest innovations in cancer treatment.
Applauding the efforts of Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), the Governor praised its eight-decade-long legacy in global cancer care. He also addressed the alarming rise in cancer cases, attributing it to environmental and lifestyle factors such as industrial pollution, contaminated water, chemical fertilisers, and sedentary habits. Stressing the importance of prevention and awareness, he noted that TMC has now expanded to nine centres, with two located in Punjab.
The Governor further highlighted the government’s commitment to healthcare, citing the rise in India’s health budget from ₹33,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1 lakh crore today.
The inauguration marked a milestone for HBCH&RC, making it one of the few government hospitals in North India to offer robotic-assisted cancer surgeries. This advanced technology enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times.
To ensure accessibility, Dr Ashish Gulia, Director of HBCH&RC Punjab, announced that the first 80 robotic surgeries for general category patients will be provided free of cost. He emphasised that the initiative reflects the hospital’s vision of delivering cutting-edge treatment closer to patients, reducing the need to travel long distances for advanced care.
The conclave also featured academic sessions, specialty discussions, and masterclasses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, with participation from over 400 experts and delegates.