The Department of Oncopathology at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, has commenced a three-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled ‘ONTOP 2026 – Oncopathology Teaching of Postgraduates’ at its New Chandigarh campus. The academic event, being held from 13 to 15 March 2026, has brought together eminent pathologists, oncologists, and postgraduate medical students from across the country to discuss recent advances in oncopathology and enhance diagnostic expertise in cancer care.
The CME is being organized under the leadership of the Patron of the CME and Director of HBCH&RC Punjab, Dr. Ashish Gulia; Organizing Chairperson, Dr. Sankalp Sancheti; and Organizing Secretary, Dr. Nilay Nishith, with the support of the Department of Oncopathology and an accomplished organizing committee. The program has been designed to provide postgraduate students and young doctors with practical exposure to modern oncopathology practices.
The academic sessions feature expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, slide seminars, hands-on workshops, and a pathology quiz for postgraduate students, making the programme an engaging platform for learning and knowledge exchange. Specialized workshops in cytopathology, hematopathology, histopathology, and lymphoma case discussions are also being conducted by leading experts from reputed institutions across the country.
The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, Director, PGIMS Rohtak, and Guest of Honour Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Director-Principal, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH-32), Chandigarh, along with senior faculty members and participants. The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony followed by addresses from distinguished guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Punjab, mphasized the critical role of pathology in cancer management. Dr. Ashish Gulia said, “Education is extremely important because no amount of buildings built or equipment installed is going to help us unless and until we have the right faculty and manpower who can help us deliver global standards of care.
I think ONTOP is one of our initiatives in that direction. Accurate and timely diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective cancer treatment. Through initiatives like ONTOP 2026, we aim to equip young pathologists with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and exposure to emerging technologies so that they can contribute meaningfully to the fight against cancer.”
Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, Director, PGIMS Rohtak, said, “Academic programmes like ONTOP 2026 are essential for nurturing the next generation of pathologists and strengthening cancer diagnostics in the country.”
Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Director-Principal, GMCH-32 Chandigarh, said, “The focus on case-based discussions and hands-on training makes this CME highly valuable for postgraduate students and young clinicians.”
Over the three days, participants will interact with renowned faculty from premier institutions including Tata Memorial Centre, PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS Mangalagiri, and other leading medical institutes, ensuring a high level of academic engagement and mentorship. The CME programme has also been awarded PMC credit points, underlining its academic significance.
The organisers expressed confidence that ONTOP 2026 will significantly contribute to strengthening oncopathology education and improving the quality of cancer diagnostics and patient care in India.
About the HBCH&RC Punjab
In an endeavor to provide world-class Cancer care to the residents of Punjab and neighbouring states & UTs, Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji had dedicated 'Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre' to the Nation at Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District, Mohali in August, 2022. The Hospital had been built at the cost of over Rs. 660 Crore by Tata Memorial Centre, an aided institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
The cancer hospital is a tertiary care hospital with a 300-bed capacity. It is equipped with modern facilities to treat all types of cancers using every available treatment modality like Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and Bone marrow transplant.
The Hospital functions like a 'hub' of cancer care and treatment in the region, with the 150 bedded hospital in Sangrur functioning as its 'spoke'.