In a significant step toward advancing regional healthcare collaboration, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, officially launched a Specialised Training Programme in Cancer Care for BIMSTEC nations at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai. This impactful initiative, announced earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, aims to address the growing cancer burden and bridge the oncology skill gap across South and Southeast Asia.
The inaugural session was graced by Dr. AK Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), along with Dr. CSR Ram, Joint Secretary for BIMSTEC and SAARC at the MEA, Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, and Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam.
Empowering Regional Oncology through Cross-Border Training
Participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal have joined the first batch of the program, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a series of strategic healthcare training collaborations under the BIMSTEC framework.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr. CSR Ram stated, “The rising incidence of cancer and limited access to quality oncology services in the region make it imperative for us to invest in shared capacity building. This program lays the foundation for improved cancer care and long-term research collaborations among BIMSTEC countries.”
Advanced, Hands-On Modules in Cancer Care
The intensive four-week onsite program offers cutting-edge training across three critical oncology disciplines — Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiology. Designed by leading experts at the Tata Memorial Centre, the program combines theoretical insights with hands-on exposure to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of TMC, emphasized the institution’s pivotal role: “As one of Asia’s premier cancer institutes, TMC brings unparalleled experience in oncology education and clinical practice. This initiative reinforces our commitment to regional healthcare excellence.”
Vision for Continued Collaboration and Growth
Expanding on the future scope of the program, Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty shared that the curriculum integrates interactive lectures, clinical observerships, and faculty mentorship, offering a holistic learning experience. The initiative is also designed to help identify specific needs and skill gaps, paving the way for future modules across the nine operational units of the Tata Memorial Centre across India.
This specialized training program signifies the beginning of a long-term vision — one where regional cooperation fuels better health outcomes, advances oncology infrastructure, and fosters scientific exchange across BIMSTEC nations.
