00 Over 500 National and Regional Experts along with 11 International Faculty Gather in Naya Raipur to Discuss Patient-Centric and Evidence-Based Cancer Care
TTN Desk
Raipur. BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), a leading cancer care institution in Central India, inaugurated the fourth edition of the BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave at Mayfair Lake Resort, Naya Raipur. The three-day event (18–20 September) marked a major milestone with the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme by Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, in the presence of Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal.
The initiative aims to strengthen cervical cancer prevention and early detection at the grassroots level, directly contributing to India’s and WHO’s global goals for cervical cancer elimination.
0 “Cervical Cancer is Preventable”: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated, “Cervical cancer is preventable, and our resolve is to move from a Cervical Cancer-Free Chhattisgarh towards a Cervical Cancer-Free India. In this mission, BMC’s annual conclave will prove to be a milestone in the field of cancer care in the region.”
Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal commended the initiative, highlighting the significance of bringing together world-class oncologists and medical experts to Raipur.
0 Restoring Balance to Cancer Care
Organized under the theme ‘Restoring Balance to Cancer Care’, the conclave was held in collaboration with ecancer, Tata Memorial Centre, and the National Cancer Grid. Featuring over 20 expert-led panel discussions, live surgical demonstrations, and workshops, the event focused on evidence-based decision-making, affordability, and equitable access in treating breast, gynaecological, and genitourinary cancers.
0 Vedavati Agarwal Oration Award Conferred
Recognizing exemplary contributions to oncology, BMC conferred the prestigious Vedavati Agarwal Oration Award on Dr. Ravi Kannan for his efforts toward sustainable and equitable cancer care.
The award was instituted by Mrs. Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, in honor of the late Smt. Vedavati Agarwal Ji.
All-Female Medical Team at Newly Launched Breast Health Clinic
Highlighting BMC’s preventive and clinical achievements, Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director of BMC, detailed key initiatives including HPV vaccination drives, self-HPV testing, and advanced interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Addressing local cultural preferences, she highlighted that BMC’s newly launched Breast Health Clinic is managed exclusively by women oncologists, providing a supportive environment to encourage higher screening rates among women.
Dr. Diwakar Pandey, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at BMC, emphasized the importance of locally relevant research in shaping cost-effective cancer treatment strategies. The conclave also hosted the ‘Women for Oncology’ (W4O) mentorship session and ‘Canvas for A Life’, an art exhibition raising funds for underprivileged cancer patients.
