On the second day of the three-day Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC) 2025, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery facility at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab. The prestigious conclave, being held at the campus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh, has brought together leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts from across the country to deliberate on the latest innovations in cancer treatment, care, and prevention.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. During the event, he inaugurated Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab. Commending the hospital’s contributions to cancer care in the region, the Governor said, "Over the past 80 years, Tata Memorial Centre has carved out a unique identity in the field of cancer treatment worldwide.
With the alarming rise in the number of cancer patients in our country, the expansion of TMC has become a necessity. Today, there are nine centers established across India, two of which are in Punjab—a region that was in dire need of such advanced facilities."
The second edition of Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave witnessed participation from distinguished medical leaders including Dr. Shripad D. Banavali, Director (Academics), Tata Memorial Centre; Dr. A.K. Attri, Director Principal, GMCH-32 Chandigarh, Dr. Satyajit Pradhan, Director, HBCH & MPMMCC Varanasi, and Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director, HBCH&RC Vizag.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, followed by the release of the Annual Magazine and the much-awaited launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab —a milestone in advanced cancer treatment for the region.
Highlighting environmental and lifestyle-related factors, the Governor remarked on the rising cancer burden, "Industrial pollution, contamination of the Sutlej river, increased use of chemical fertilizers, and lifestyle changes are all contributing to the rise of cancer cases. It is essential to focus on prevention and awareness while addressing the root causes of cancer if we are to control its spread."
Speaking about national health initiatives, he added, "A healthy individual is the foundation of a healthy society, and a healthy society is the foundation of a healthy nation. No country can progress without health as its top priority. In 2013-14, India’s health budget was ₹33,000 crore.
Today, it has increased to ₹1 lakh crore, a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to healthcare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Praising HBCH&RC’s preventive campaigns, the Governor said, "The hospital has screened more than 1.7 lakh people for early detection of cancer and treated many patients at an early stage. This is a remarkable achievement."
Launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab
The introduction of robotic surgery marks a transformative leap in cancer treatment at HBCH&RC, Punjab. This cutting-edge technology enables surgeons to perform complex cancer surgeries with greater precision, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery times. With this launch, HBCH&RC becomes one of the very few government cancer hospitals in North India to offer robotic-assisted surgical care, ensuring that patients from Punjab and neighboring states have access to world-class cancer treatment without the need to travel outside the region.
In a patient-centric initiative, Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH&RC Punjab announced that the first 80 robotic surgeries for patients in the general category will be provided free of cost. On this occasion, Director Gulia, highlighted the vision of the conclave, "HBCC 2025 is a confluence of science, innovation, and collaboration.
Our mission is to bring cutting-edge cancer treatment to patients while creating an ecosystem where knowledge and research directly translate into improved patient care. The launch of robotic cancer surgery aligns with our commitment to precision oncology, ensuring that no patient in Punjab has to travel far for advanced treatment."
He further added, "We are delighted to have over 400 experts and delegates joining us for HBCC 2025. I extend my gratitude to NMIMS for supporting us in hosting this academic event in North India. We remain committed to advancing education and awareness about common cancers across the region."
The session also featured academic discussions on molecular pathology, gynecological and genitourinary cancers, pediatric oncology, breast oncology, and musculoskeletal oncology, along with masterclasses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The conclave is hosting lectures, debates, panel discussions, and a special Cancer Awareness Walkathon at Sukhna Lake.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Alok K. Goel, Organizing Secretary, who acknowledged the contributions of dignitaries, faculty, and delegates in making HBCC 2025 a landmark event in the fight against cancer.