India Launches Cancer Care Training Program For BIMSTEC Nations At Tata Memorial Centre

Mumbai – In a landmark step towards strengthening healthcare cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, the Government of India has launched a Specialized Training Program in Cancer Care for BIMSTEC Countries at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai.

The initiative, first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, is being implemented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The program aims to address the growing burden of cancer and tackle disparities in oncology services across the region.

The inaugural session, held on July 7, was attended by senior officials including Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Secretary of the DAE and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, C.S.R. Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC & SAARC), MEA, Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, and Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Visakhapatnam.

A total of 15 healthcare professionals from Bangladesh (4), Bhutan (6), Myanmar (6), and Nepal (5) have joined the four-week intensive training program. The course is designed to strengthen cancer care capabilities in the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) nations.

“This training initiative reflects India’s deep commitment to capacity building and regional cooperation in healthcare,” said C.S.R. Ram. “It will not only strengthen oncology skills but also encourage long-term collaboration and research partnerships.”

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The program includes specialized modules in Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiology, offering hands-on training, interactive sessions, clinical observerships, and mentorship from TMC’s expert faculty.

Highlighting the importance of the program, Dr. Sudeep Gupta noted TMC’s leadership in Asia’s cancer care ecosystem and its mission to provide world-class education and treatment. Dr. Mahantshetty added that the program will help identify regional gaps in cancer care delivery and guide future cooperation efforts.

The training is the first in a series, with subsequent sessions planned at nine Tata Memorial Centre units across India.