India has inaugurated the second phase of a specialized capacity-building program in cancer care for BIMSTEC countries at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Visakhapatnam.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs and implemented by Tata Memorial Centre, aims to enhance regional expertise in critical areas of oncology, building on the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
The four-week program brings together 35 cancer-care professionals from BIMSTEC member states, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal. Participants will receive advanced hands-on training in Onco-Pathology, Onco-Nursing, Palliative Medicine, Preventive Oncology, and Radiation Oncology, covering the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
C.S.R. Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC & SAARC) at the External Affairs Ministry, emphasized the need for capacity building to address the rising cancer burden and unequal access to quality care in the region. The initiative seeks not only to improve cancer care services but also to foster regional collaboration and research.
The first phase of the program, held in July–August 2025, trained 21 professionals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal. The second phase marks a continued effort under India’s Neighborhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies to strengthen health cooperation and oncology capacity across the BIMSTEC region.
The launch ceremony was attended by Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director of HBCHRC, AP MedTech Zone MD & CEO Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Projects Director A.K. Bagchi, and other dignitaries.
